The stand-up comedy invoice is a billing document for any comedian that charges for a performance. The amount of money charged is determined by the amount of time designated to perform, which can be anywhere from 5 minutes to over an hour, and any transportation or room and board costs. Where the comic performs will be determined by the hiring party.

Table of Contents

• What is Stand-Up Comedy?
• 10-Types of Humor
• How long is a Stand-up Comedy routine?
• Stand-Up Comedian Salary & Hourly Rate ($/hr)

What is Stand-up Comedy?

Stand-up comedy is when an individual “stands up” in front of an audience and performs a comedic routine in order to generate laughs. There are many different types of comedians, and many different methods they may take to get a laugh from the crowd. For example, Jerry Seinfeld practices a standard approach, telling jokes with precise timing and combining more than one (1) story into a grand punchline. While others, such as Pee-Wee Herman and Carrot Top, perform as a character while using costumes and props to help give the audience a better illustration of a story or joke.

Types of Humor (10)

• Dark – Offering comment on a subject in society that is normally taboo.
• Dry – Often referred to as “deadpan”, when the comedian doesn’t change their facial expression or attitude while delivering a joke.
• Irony/Sarcasm – Jokes that are intended to imitate or contradict a statement. Often not understood immediately when told.
• Character (role) – Performing an act or role that is not the true personality of the comedian.
• Shock Value – When comedians go for “shock value” it’s usually aimed at saying something to overwhelm the audience with a gross or psychotic thought with an underlying layer of truth.
• Parody – When the comedian plays on a person or event and making fun of in a hyperbolic or absurd way.
• Satirical – Using exaggerations to represent a larger point about society.
• Self-Deprecating – Using the comedian’s own life for humor.
• Situational – Using the comedians own experiences to point out the humor in everyday life.
• Slapstick – Over the top, simple, short jokes with a punchline.

How long is a Stand-up Comedy routine?

Most stand-up comedy routines that are on a for-hire basis are between 15-20 minutes. There are many types of gigs and events where a comedian can perform.

• Auditorium (show): 45-120 minutes
• Comedy Club: 15-20 minutes
• Corporate Event: 20-60 minutes
• Cruise Ship: 45-90 minutes
• Gig: 15-45 minutes
• Open Mic: 5-10 minutes
• TV Appearance: 3-5 minutes

Stand-up Comedian Salary & Hourly Rate ($/hr)

• Salary: $22,027 to $84,185/yr (source: CareerExplorer)
• Hourly Rate: $14.94/hr (source: CareerExplorer)