💰 How Much Do Stand-Up Comedians Really Make in 2025?
It’s the question every aspiring comic (and curious fan) wants answered: How much do stand-up comedians actually make in 2025? The short answer? It depends on fame, platform, market, and hustle.
Some comedians make millions per tour. Others are still grinding for bar tab tips and $50 gigs. But the gap between struggling open-micers and Netflix headliners has never been wider, or more fascinating.
Let’s break it down.
🎤 Touring Pros: Live Shows = Big Bucks (For Some)
In 2025, touring remains the most lucrative path for working comedians, if you can fill seats.
Kevin Hart – $50M+
Still the king of comedy tours, Hart’s 2025 “Reality Check” extension is selling out arenas globally. With VIP packages, sponsorships, and merch, Hart reportedly earns $1.5M+ per show.
Taylor Tomlinson – $20M+
Her 2025 “Have It All” tour is a massive hit with Gen Z and millennial audiences. Tomlinson performs in theatres and arenas, averaging $300K+ per night.
Matt Rife – $15M+
With social media virality and a dedicated fanbase, Rife’s live shows in 2025 are consistently sold out. He’s rumoured to earn $150K–$250K per show, depending on the market.
Ali Wong – $10M+
Ali Wong continues her streak of packed theatres with smart, fearless material. She performs fewer dates but commands premium ticket prices and earns strong streaming residuals.
Gabriel Iglesias – $12M+
Fluffy is still packing arenas, especially in the U.S. and Latin America. His merch revenue alone is among the highest in comedy.
What About Club Comics?
Working club comics, those doing 100–300 seat venues, can earn between $1,000–$15,000 per weekend, depending on their draw. Add merch, Patreon, and side gigs, and some full-time comics pull in six figures annually, but only the top few percent.
📺 Netflix & Streaming Headliners
Landing a streaming special can be a career-defining payday in 2025 — but only if you’re already in demand.
Dave Chappelle – $20M+ Per Special
Still commanding massive deals from Netflix, Chappelle’s 2024-2025 specials are part of his ongoing licensing agreement. Add in touring and licensing, and his annual take is in the $60–80M range.
Ricky Gervais – $15M+
The UK legend continues his streak of blockbuster Netflix deals, with “Armageddon” and upcoming shows licensed globally. He earns top-tier revenue without touring as heavily.
Tom Segura – $5–8M+
With multiple Netflix specials and an ultra-loyal podcast audience, Segura combines streaming income, live tour earnings, and merch. His 2025 special “Full Circle” reportedly earned $6M upfront.
Hannah Gadsby – $2–3M+
The cultural impact of “Nanette” still echoes. Gadsby continues to earn through specials and selective touring, with Netflix providing a steady stream of residuals.
💼 But Wait — Don’t Forget Merch, Podcasts, and Patreon
For mid-tier and rising comedians, diversification is key. Many comics build real income from:
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Podcast ad revenue (e.g., Tom Segura’s “Your Mom’s House”)
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YouTube monetization
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Patreon subscriptions
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Merch tables at shows
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Corporate/private gigs (can pay $5K–$100K per show)
🔗 Internal Links to Related Posts
🎯 Final Thoughts on How Much Do Stand-Up Comedians Make in 2025
The top of the stand-up world is flashier than ever, but it’s also more accessible. Comics now have more ways than ever to build an audience, monetize content, and control their careers.
And it all starts with a mic, a crowd, and maybe a dimly lit comedy club.
Thinking of taking the leap? Here’s how to perform at a comedy show for the first time.
Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.com, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.
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