How much does it cost to hire a magician? (Updated for 2023)

Want to hire a magician for your event and wondering how much it costs? The quick answers is, it depends.

There are a bunch of things to consider:

• The type of event
• The type of performance you’re looking for (close-up, stage, cabaret, virtual)
• The time of the event
• The location – is travel a factor?
• Length of time required
• Time of year

You’ll find magicians will charge a range of fees, depending on some of the things above, plus their level of experience and how in demand they are. 

Most magicians won’t list prices on their websites as every event is different. Some also charge premium rates for busy times of year such as Christmas.

Just a note that the advice below is for magicians for adult events. Kids entertainers are a different field that I don’t have expertise in!

Be wary of the “cheap” option

An important thing to note: whether you want to hire a magician for a corporate event, a wedding reception, or a you want a magician for your party, you get what you pay for. It may be tempting to look for the cheapest option, but cheap doesn’t usually mean good. 

An experienced, professional performer will make your event much more enjoyable, fun and memorable. They’ll know how to engage with diverse audiences and adapt their performance accordingly; they won’t just know a few card tricks.

A great performer is worth the extra cost; they won’t cancel last minute and won’t disappoint your guests. To guarantee your event’s success, be sure to select an experienced, professional magician.

How do I know if they’re with the money?

Booking the right entertainment can be tricky. You want to make sure the performer you choose is the right one for your event. Here are a few things to take into consideration:

• How long have they been performing for?
• Do they have testimonials on their website, or on external review sites?
• Can you watch videos and see photos of them performing at actual events?
• Are they professional when you contact them?
• Do they belong to any professional organisations? (The Magic Circle and Equity are the main ones to look out for)

I also recommend having a chat on the phone (or Zoom!) about your event with the magician. This is a great way to get to know the person behind the act and ensure they are the perfect fit for your event.

How much does a magician cost?

With all that in mind, how much does it cost to hire a magician?

While prices will vary depending on some of the factors above, as a general guide, you’d expect to pay in the region £500 to £900 for a close-up magician for your event. 

If you’re looking for a stage or cabaret show, expect to pay over £1,000.

A virtual magician might cost anything from £500 – £2,000 depending on the type of show, size of audience, etc.

If you want Dynamo, or a similarly famous celebrity magician, you’ll need at least £25k for him to just show up.

Ultimately, there isn’t a simple answer to the question “How much does it cost to hire a magician?” But, do make sure you get the best you can, rather than looking for the cheapest. It will be worth it!

If you’re interested to hire me for an event or party that you’re planning, get in touch for a chat.  I’ll usually respond within a few hours with some options and firm prices!