What does a magician cost per hour?

"What does a magician cost per hour?" is probably one of the first things that comes to mind when you think about it: I want to hire a magician! Obviously, there are many variables, options, and resources, and through this article I want to give you some tips and insights to answer your question properly.

Do you pay a magician by the hour?

Sometimes you pay a magician by the hour, but it is more common for a magician to be hired for a fixed time frame, a particular act, or a combination package of different acts. I work as a close-up magician, where your guests are treated to one interactive, inexplicable magic trick after another and will be amazed by what happens at the table just a few inches away from them. In this setting, I routinely work for two consecutive hours. But it also sometimes happens that I am asked if I can be present for a longer or shorter period, for example because there are many more, or just a smaller number of guests present during the event. All these things obviously come into play when you ask, "What does a magician cost per hour?".

Hiring a magician with the necessary experience

Magic is a multi-purpose form of entertainment but if you type in "magician for hire" on google today, you will come across several artists who will come to your event to perform magic. Of course, it is important to check out the performer. A clown who 'can' do magic is not the right choice for your company party. After all, your guests are not children, and you obviously don't want them to be treated that way. Also, the level or experience of the magician can give a good idea. Below is an example to your question, "What does a magician cost per hour?".

Amateur magician | < €350

These are individuals with a love of magic who like to do some side work. That way they can buy new tricks or rights for tricks (these often fall rather expensive). Often these are persons who have just started conjuring or are often elderly. These enthusiasts like to perform once to gain experience but are often inconsistent in their quality and often have poor service as well. Have you sent an email asking for a gig 3 days ago and still not received a response? Then this often indicates not only that they don't take your event seriously but also that they may be an amateur who only perform a handful a year. Also, billing is very difficult with these types of magicians.

Semi-professional magician | €350-€600

These types of magicians are already a lot more reliable. Often these are people who perform in a secondary occupation. They have a day job but have a lot of experience so you can be sure that the tricks themselves will almost always work. Here it is only difficult to say how the service of these magicians is. One of them follows up on his requests very well and can answer all your questions almost immediately for the other it takes days before you hear from him. The same goes for their improvisational skills. Now you might say what is that important for, but every event is different. A professional magician has already performed successfully in all possible situations. Even if something unexpected happens during the performance, the magician should be able to respond to it and make sure he brings it to a successful conclusion. If your budgetary is a little tighter, a semi-professional magician is often a better choice than an amateur magician.

Professional magician | €700-€1,500

A professional magician is by far the best choice for your event. These magicians have the necessary experience can give you the service you deserve and are often ironclad. If you have an important corporate event that you have been working towards all year, you obviously don't want to be embarrassed as an event manager by hiring an amateur. As I mentioned earlier, these magicians are used to performing and have a solution to every possible situation before there is a problem. Because obviously your upcoming event must be a hit. Whether it is for entertainment at receptions or dinners or for stage show a professional magician will not disappoint you. Want to be sure and get the best service & quality at your upcoming event? Then click here.

Are there any additional costs I should consider when booking a magician?

Hopefully you have now found the answer to your question, "What does a magician cost per hour?". Magicians are subject to a 6% VAT rate here in Belgium. You should also count on travel expenses of €0.40/km. This is standard but sometimes a magician does drop this. There are also magicians who charge the hourly rate in addition to their travel expenses. Be sure to ask about this to avoid surprises afterwards.

Are you a little shocked by the prices? Don't forget that the magician can't really do magic. After all, he also must pay taxes, new tricks, transportation, promotion, rent, insurance, fixed and variable expenses, clothing, etc.