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.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt's the same everywhere. In my IRL job, wages have effectively fallen and haven't increased much more than 2%. My prinary side gig is as an art model and that hasn't changed either - ~$20/hour. I rationalize the side gig as way to.fund my gym membership.and.offset the cost of being.fit. Sometimes it allows me more fun money than my budget.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I rationalize it, too. It's a side gig on the weekends for a little extra spending money. I do this instead and get paid for it instead of spending money on going out like everyone else. :D
DeleteDion
ReplyDeleteI have a question
How does one deal with getting erections while one performs? Like , does one just keep performing? Or does it add to the show for the ladies?
Thank you
It depends on the performance. Typical bachelorette (hen party) doesn't require it in most cases, and the main thing on a dancer's mind should be entertaining the crowd. It's not easy to get an erection while thinking of which routine will please the crowd.
DeleteThere are guys who get hard, then 'tie off' beforehand, though this isn't exactly the healthiest thing to do. And there's those who pop viagra.
I've got an erection a few times. I just keep performing. Some women will comment. Some will like it. Just go with the crowd. :D