For the past 15 years, the industry standard pay for male strippers has not changed much. It is -- and has been -- around $125 to 175 in the United States for a bachelorette party, depending on the location and how far the dancer has to travel. Here are things that have increased in the last 15 years: inflation, minimum wage, and salaries for pretty much every other job out there. The typical pay rate for male strippers still remains unchanged, and with inflation added to the equation, it actually has decreased.
On average, I get offered $150 a show, not including tips. This sounds nice for one hour, but when factoring in the time for preparations and commute, a male dancer (who actually cares about looking presentable to clients) will often consume about 3 to 4 hours per party. For my rural area, that number actually increases to about 5 hours: An hour to get ready, an hour or two to commute there, an hour perform, and then the commute back. Sometimes it takes more than 5 hours, but let's say that takes 5... Then that's roughly $30 an hour, not including tips, which aren't even guaranteed.
That money doesn't factor in the wear and tear on the body, personal vehicle, and costumes a dancer needs for the job. Nor does it count the cost of fuel or other means of transportation. So really, that number shrinks even further.
These facts do not necessarily mean the pay is bad, but with the rise of inflation and other wages, the perks of male stripping are diminishing compared to 15 or 20 years ago. Now for a college student needing a quick weekend gig, this job is perfect. The same goes for a lot of people who have the free time to burn on weekends, or just need some extra pocket money on top of their day job.
Here's my point: I received $150 (not including tips) on average back in 2005 for a party. Now in 2020, I still only get offered $150. The salary hasn't changed, but the price of goods and everything else has.
