Hire a comedian to bring laughter and lighthearted moments to your next event. Find comedians for hire near you, with profiles, pricing, and FAQs to help you book with confidence.
On average, professional comedians cost $300-$500 for a 1-hour set. This price may vary depending on your location, the size of the event, the style of comedy, and the comedian’s skill level.
Comedians are commonly booked for 1-hour performances. Most comedians have enough material to fill a 45-60 minute set. That’s also about how long guests expect to sit and listen to a comedy show. The exact performance time may vary depending on your needs. If you hire a comedian to act as a host or emcee, they might do smaller sets of jokes in between awards or other activities over the course of the full event.
Every comedian generally has their own unique style. They might focus on stand-up comedy, corporate comedy, or improv. They will also have certain tones to their humor, whether it be clean, adult-only, or dark in nature. Consider the famous comedians you enjoy most when determining what type of comedy act you want for your event. Then watch videos of their past performances to see if you like their jokes and delivery.
Most comedians just need a stage and a microphone. Your comedian may be able to bring their own sound equipment, but it’s best if the venue provides it. You should also ask the comedian if there are any other needs for their set, like a stool to sit on or a table for props. Most comedians like to have a drink on hand as well, so be sure to offer them water or a drink from the bar.
Many comedians are willing to travel as long as they are compensated accordingly. Because they require very little equipment, it’s easy for them to hop on a plane and fly to events across the country. You can offer to book their travel for them or let them build those additional costs into their quote.
Comedy shows are great for almost any event. It’s best if you plan to have a decent-sized guest list as comedians feed off audience laughter and interaction, which will make the show better. Your comedian can be the featured entertainment, or they can act as host or emcee, peppering in jokes while also keeping your event on track. Comedians are a popular choice for corporate events, college campus events, holiday parties, and more.
United States
Canada
Laughter will add excitement and positive energy to any special occasion! Hire a local comedian on GigSalad to open for a touring comedian at your comedy club, roast the guest of honor at their birthday party, or emcee your corporate award ceremony. There are also clean comedians with family-friendly material that can perform at community or school events.
When booking a comedian, take the time to browse profiles to see photos and watch videos of previous performances to make sure they are a good fit for your event. Read reviews from past clients to get a better feel for their services and how their shows were received by real audiences. When you find a comedian you want to hire, get all the details in writing with a contract or booking agreement. When you book on GigSalad, your payments are handled through our secure site and are protected by our Worry-Free Guarantee.
Request free quotes from Comedians near you!
Here are some other amazing categories that might interest you.
The best way to get accurate pricing is to request free, personalized quotes from Comedians near you.
To give you a ballpark, we’ve used past GigSalad quotes to get average nationwide pricing for hiring a Comedian.
Check out the GigSalad blog for unique party ideas and expert advice on how to plan amazing events.
By Matt Holland
Whether you're throwing a backyard birthday bash or orchestrating a black-tie gala, one thing is universally true: great events don't just happen — they're planned. If the thought of juggling guest lists, menus, timelines, and table arrangements makes your head spin, you're in the right place. We've put together the ultimate party planning checklist to walk you through the entire process, from the first spark of an idea to the last slice of cake.
By Heather Roonan
If you want people to show up for a seminar, you need to be sure the topic is compelling, the experience feels thoughtful, and the value is clear from the start. Whether you’re planning a professional development event, an educational workshop, or an industry deep dive, hosting a seminar people actually want to attend comes down to smart planning and a little creativity. Here’s how to make yours one they’ll gladly add to their calendar.
By Matt Holland
When it comes to Mardi Gras party ideas, you can feel free to go big and boisterous. This holiday is all about music, movement, color, and community, so the right activities can turn any gathering into a full-on spectacle. Whether you’re planning a neighborhood bash, a school event, or a cozy get-together, these Mardi Gras entertainment options help you capture the magic.
Join GigSalad to showcase your talent and connect with planners looking to hire Comedians in the United States and Canada.