Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys held about 25,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys were as follows:
| Radio broadcasting | 72% |
| Television broadcasting | 10 |
| Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries | 4 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 3 |
| Other information services | 1 |
Disc jockeys, except radio held about 15,300 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of disc jockeys, except radio were as follows:
| Food services and drinking places | 12% |
| Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries | 11 |
| Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries | 4 |
Broadcast announcers and radio DJs usually work in well-lit, temperature-controlled, soundproof studios. Some radio DJs produce and record their shows while working from home.
DJs, except radio work in a variety of settings, either indoors or outdoors or both. They travel to the location of the event they are hosting.
The pressure of deadlines and tight work schedules may be stressful.
Work Schedules
Work schedules for announcers and DJs vary and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, or holidays. Part-time work also may be common.
Entry requirements for announcers and DJs vary. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs typically need a bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications; experience gained from internships or working at a school radio or television station is helpful. Other types of DJs typically need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Education
Broadcast announcers and radio DJs typically need a bachelor’s degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism. However, some jobs may be available for workers who have a high school diploma or equivalent. DJs, except radio typically need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have hands-on skills or knowledge. High school and college students interested in a career as an announcer or DJ may benefit from taking speech classes and participating in opportunities to practice public speaking. These may include making announcements on their school’s public address system, working at their school’s radio or television station, or serving as an emcee at events. Internships also may be available, although they are often limited to college students.
Training
Radio and television announcers whose highest level of education is a high school diploma or equivalent also may need some short-term on-the-job training to learn how to operate audio and production equipment.
Advancement
Because radio and television stations in small markets have limited staff, advancement within the same small-market station is unlikely. Rather, many broadcast announcers and radio DJs advance by relocating to a large-market station. These larger markets often offer higher pay and more responsibility and challenges than do small markets.
When making hiring decisions, large-market stations rely on workers' personalities and past performance. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs need to have proven that they can attract, engage, and keep the attention of a sizeable audience.
Radio and television announcers typically have an interest in the Creating and Persuading interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Creating interest area indicates a focus on being original and imaginative, and working with artistic media. The Persuading interest area indicates a focus on influencing, motivating, and selling to other people.
If you are not sure whether you have a Creating or Persuading interest which might fit with a career as a radio and television announcer, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Radio and television announcers should also possess the following specific qualities:
Computer skills. Announcers, especially those seeking careers in radio, should have good computer skills and be able to use computers, editing equipment, and other broadcast-related devices.
Interpersonal skills. Radio and television announcers must be able to interview guests and answer phone calls on air. Party disc jockeys (DJs) and emcees should be comfortable working with clients to plan entertainment options.
Persistence. Entry into this occupation is very competitive, and many auditions may be needed for an opportunity to work on the air. Many entry-level announcers must be willing to work for a small station and be flexible to move to a small market to secure their first job.
Research skills. Announcers must research the important topics of the day in order to be knowledgeable enough to comment on them during their program.
Speaking skills. Announcers must have a pleasant and well-controlled voice, good timing, and excellent pronunciation.
Writing skills. Announcers need strong writing skills, because they normally write their own material.
The median hourly wage for broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys was $18.09 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.99, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49.56.
The median hourly wage for disc jockeys, except radio was $15.70 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.68, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $37.98.
In May 2021, the median hourly wages for broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Television broadcasting | $29.23 |
| Other information services | 29.13 |
| Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries | 28.73 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 23.26 |
| Radio broadcasting | 16.92 |
In May 2021, the median hourly wages for disc jockeys, except radio in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries | $23.18 |
| Food services and drinking places | 15.15 |
| Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries | 14.67 |
Work schedules for announcers and DJs vary and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, or holidays. Part-time work also may be common.
Overall employment of announcers and DJs is projected to decline 4 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Despite declining employment, about 3,500 openings for announcers and DJs are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Projected employment of announcers and DJs varies by occupation (see table).
Continuing consolidation of radio and television stations will limit employment growth of broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys (DJs). In addition, over-the-air radio broadcasts will continue to face competition from an increasing number of online and satellite radio stations. More listeners are tuning in to these stations, which can be personalized, reducing the number of listeners to traditional radio broadcasts and decreasing the demand for radio DJs.
DJs, with the exception of radio DJs, will be in demand to play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, and wedding receptions.
For more information about the broadcasting industry, in which many announcers and DJs are employed, visit
National Association of Broadcasters