What type of event are you having?  Some events are priced higher than others.  For example a wedding reception is more than a birthday party simply because it requires greater skills and the DJ is under greater pressure to not make any mistakes.
	What is the date and day of the week for your event?  Saturday is the busiest day for DJs.  Therefore anything booked on a Saturday will be priced higher than an event on any other day.  Events in the month of December including New Year's Eve are also higher priced because of all the holiday and Christmas parties.
	What time must the DJ have all equipment set up and be ready to start the show?  What time will the event end?  If the event starts at 7 PM and ends at 12 midnight, that's five hours of playing time.  In addition, it usually takes an average of 2 hours to load equipment, drive to the event site, unload and set up, and another 2 hours after the show is over to break down, pack up and drive home.  If there are numerous requests for specific music, it may take an hour or more to gather these requests.  If the client would like to meet for a consultation before the event, that could be another couple of hours, depending on where and how long this will take.  As you can see, a big and important event, such as a wedding, could require 10 to 12 hours of a DJ's time.  I spend an average of 4 to 5 hours per week preparing and loading all of the new music I get weekly from my subscription services.
	DJs also have to factor in their equipment cost and maintenance cost.  Speakers, amplifiers, CD players, laptop computers, music subscriptions, flashing lights, tripods, vehicle/van/truck costs, taxes, the list is quite long.
	Some events may require extra services and equipment over and above a DJ's standard package.  For example, video, projection screens, cameras, high tech laser lighting, etc.
	There are some events which require me to bring along an assistant to help out.  For example, places like the Peabody Hotel require a DJ and an assistant due to the difficulty required to get equipment in and out.  If there is no parking available at the location, it may take an extra hour of set up time including a parking garage fee.  Some locations have stairs with no elevators which means every piece of equipment must be manually carried in and out.
	Having listed all of these factors, I can say that most of my Saturday weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and corporate events are priced between $800 to $1000.  On a day other than Saturday, the price could be $100 to $200 less.  Birthday parties, class reunions, school events, backyard parties, picnics, and smaller parties could range from about $400 to $600.  But once again, it really depends on all the above factors.