How much does it cost to hire a comedian?

What affects the price of a comedian

Every booking is priced individually. These are the things that make the biggest difference, roughly in order of impact:

1. The comedian's experience and demand. This is the biggest factor. Newer comedians and seasoned opening acts cost less than established headliners. Comedians with TV, streaming or festival credits, or a large following, are in higher demand and priced accordingly.
2. The date. Friday and Saturday nights, and holiday party season from mid-November through December, are the most requested dates of the year. Weeknights and the slower months often give you more options for the same budget.
3. Show length and format. A short set to open a dinner costs less than a full headline show. Asking the comedian to also host or emcee your program, run awards or warm up an auction adds time and preparation.
4. Travel. A comedian who lives near your event has little or no travel cost. Bringing in a comedian from out of town usually adds airfare, a hotel and ground transportation.
5. Your audience and content needs. Corporate and church events usually need a completely clean show, and some clients want material written about their company or industry. Customized material takes extra preparation.
6. Audience size and type of event. A large conference or a private corporate event is priced differently from a small community or church event. The size and setting of the room also affect what production you need.
7. Sound, lighting and staging. If your venue already has an AV team and equipment, there's nothing extra to add. If it doesn't, we can provide sound, lighting, staging and a technician, quoted separately so you see exactly what you're paying for.

What’s included when you book with ComedyBookers

When you book through us, you’re not just paying for a show. We do all of the work, so you have one point of contact and nothing to chase:

• Recommending comedians who fit your audience, content needs and budget
• Checking availability and negotiating the fee for you
• One clear agreement from ComedyBookers
• Arranging travel and confirming arrival and set times
• Coordinating with your venue or AV team
• Keeping you updated at every step, right up to showtime

Learn more about how booking works.

Sound, lighting and staging

A comedy show needs clear sound and light on the performer. If your venue has an AV team and equipment, we coordinate directly with them and there’s nothing extra to pay. If it doesn’t, we can provide a sound system, stage lighting, staging and a technician. Production is optional and quoted separately with your booking, so you only pay for what your room needs. See sound, lighting & staging.

How to get the most for your budget

• Book early. The best comedians and the best dates go first, especially for holiday parties. Booking early gives you the widest choice at your budget.
• Be flexible on the date. If your event can move, a weeknight or a date outside the busiest season can stretch your budget further.
• Consider a comedian near your event. Choosing someone who lives within driving distance can remove travel costs entirely.
• Let one comedian do two jobs. A comedian who can also emcee your program saves you from booking a separate host.
• Tell us what your venue already has. If the room has sound and lights, you won't pay for production you don't need.
• Share your real budget. Telling us your range up front lets us show you the best comedians within it, instead of guessing.

How to get a quote

Send us the booking form with your date, location, type of event, audience size and budget. Pick the comedians you like, or leave it open and we’ll recommend a few. We’ll come back with who’s available and a clear price, including any travel and production. A quote is free and doesn’t commit you to anything.

Looking for a particular kind of comedian? Browse clean comedians, corporate comedians, comedians for holiday parties or Christian comedians.

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