Musician's hourly rate?

[yos9]

After years of playing at places who told me what we would get paid, which is everything from a $50 coffee shop show to a $300-600 bar gig depending on how many people show up, I've now had interest for some private events. They're asking me what our hourly rate is.

My group is 3 or 4 piece guitar/vocal, drum and bass. Original jazz/funk/folk/rock. I don't do this for a living, so I don't know how much to charge.

I know many of you perform out.
I'm curious - what is your hourly rate? Do you charge for setup/breakdown time as well?

Any info is great...
-yos

 

[FMJ]

Depends on how large the company is. Ive done small corporates for 800-1000aussie dollars and Ive known guys to charge up to 5grand for large ones.. Never undercut yourself and the band though. You also have to factor into your costs Petrol, PA if you're hiring etc, so you make sure you get your fee + whatever else.. Most people will pay for a good band.

I dont think any of the bands ive been in have charged for breakdown time, its always been playing time... My hourly rate... anywhere from 40-60bucks an hour for normal gigs and special gigs obviously the band rates goes up so we get paid more. Although I will do some gigs for free if they are worth it and we arent playing all night.

Corporate gigs are great if you can get them on a regular basis because they'll earn you more than most of the bar gigs you'll do.