Magicians

While world famous magicians such as Lance Burton and David Copperfield can earn tens of thousands of dollars for each performance, most magicians do not earn enough from their performances to support themselves financially. The vast majority of magicians perform on nights or weekends while still holding full- or part-time jobs. What they earn as magicians varies depending on their reputation and audience, from $100 to $500 for performing at a birthday party to several thousand dollars for performing at a business meeting or large magic show. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that median hourly pay for entertainers and performers was $20.91 (or $43,493 annually for full-time work) in May 2023. Earnings ranged from less than $11.80 to $49.10 or more hourly ($24,544 to $102,128 or more annually). The most popular and successful magicians may perform regularly on stage or on television and earn $120,000 or more.

Most magicians perform more as a hobby than a profession. These individuals perform magic for the sheer love and excitement of the craft.

Working as independent professionals, magicians generally have to provide for their own health insurance and retirement fund. However, some professional organizations, such as the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians, provide group liability insurance rates.