The Average Salary of a Stand-Up Comic

Some stand-up comics use props in their shows.

Earning a living by making people laugh is a challenging career. Some comedians work behind the scenes and write skits and jokes for other performers or work as part of an ensemble comedy team. Those who perform alone in front of live audiences are stand-up comics or comedians.

Average

Based on information provided by the job and salary information site SimplyHired.com, as of 2010, stand-up comics in the United States earned an average annual salary of $30,000.

Range

Earnings vary greatly depending on the comic's venue and reputation. Bar and lounge comics can earn as little as $50 a show, while comedy clubs typically pay between $200 and $1,000 for each performance. Comics hired by colleges and universities frequently make about $4,000 a show. Since gigs (bookings) are sporadic, annual salaries can vary greatly from year to year.

Strategy

Aspiring stand-up comics often land paying jobs through increasing their exposure at charity functions or other philanthropic events. Much of a stand-up comic's success commonly depends on aggressive self-promotion.

References

• Careers.StateUniversity.com: The Average Salary of a Stand Up Comic
• SimplyHired.com: The Average Salary of a Stand Up Comic