How Long Before You Start Making Money in Comedy?

Ah, comedy! The sweet siren call of late-night laughter, poorly lit stages, and the intoxicating scent of desperation. You’re in it for the love, right? The applause, the craft, the chance to have strangers cackle at your pain. But let’s not kid ourselves—you’re also wondering, when do I start making money doing this?

Well, my eager chuckle-chaser, let’s break it down.

The Early Days: Paying to Perform

When you’re starting out, money isn’t even a concept. Forget it. In fact, you’ll likely be spending money just to get on stage. Gas money to drive to open mics, drinks you feel obligated to buy at the bar, and let’s not forget the post-show late-night burrito to soak up the existential dread.

Think of these as your comedy college years. You’re paying tuition in humiliation, bombed jokes, and “constructive” feedback from audience members who clearly have never been funny a day in their lives.

The “Drink Tickets and Chicken Wings” Phase

If you’re persistent—and let’s hope you are—you’ll graduate to the phase where you’re no longer paying to perform. Instead, you’re getting paid in drink tickets, chicken wings, or maybe… just maybe… $20.

You’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot! But before you splurge on that slightly used Honda Civic, let me remind you: $20 doesn’t go as far as it used to. (Thanks, inflation!)

This is the grind phase. You’re hustling, building your set, and developing your unique comedic voice. Spoiler alert: this phase can last years. Don’t quit your day job just yet—unless you really like living with six roommates and eating instant ramen.

The First Big Break

Maybe it’s a paid gig at a comedy club. Maybe someone asks you to open for them on the road. Or maybe—and this is every comic’s dream—a video of you goes viral. (Of course, in this case, it better be for your actual comedy and not because you fell off the stage and broke your nose. I’m speaking from experience here.)

At this stage, you’ll start to see money… but not much. Gigs might pay anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the venue and your reputation. But remember, travel, accommodations, and the emotional cost of bombing in front of a new audience? That’s all on you.

Full-Time Funny Business

When can you make a living at this? The truth is, it depends. For some, it’s 5 years. For others, it’s 15. Comedy isn’t a meritocracy, darling. It’s a weird stew of talent, timing, networking, and sheer dumb luck.

But if you keep at it, keep honing your craft, and manage to stand out in the overcrowded comedy landscape, you can hit the jackpot. Touring, writing for TV, getting a Netflix special—the sky’s the limit! Just remember, even the big dogs still worry about staying relevant. Comedy is a fickle mistress, and she loves to keep you on your toes.

A Final Word of Advice

If you’re getting into comedy just for the money, stop right now. No, seriously. Close this tab, sign up for a real estate course, and never look back. Comedy is a labor of love… and sometimes, that labor doesn’t pay off for years.

But if you’re in it for the laughter, the camaraderie, and the chance to turn your deepest insecurities into punchlines, then welcome to the club. The money will come… eventually. Maybe. If you’re lucky.

Until then, keep grinding, keep writing, and above all, keep laughing. Because if you’re not having fun, what’s the point? Comedy may not make you rich overnight, but the joy of making people laugh? That’s priceless.