Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
SOC code 27-3011 · O*NET-SOC 27-3011.00 · Considerable preparation needed
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$47,340
a year
Hourly
$22.76
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$78,720
$37.85 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,360 – $75,480
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$28,190 – $138,440
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
21,240
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $28,190
- $13.55/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,360
- $17.00/hr
- Median percentile
- $47,340
- $22.76/hr
- 75th percentile
- $75,480
- $36.29/hr
- 90th percentile
- $138,440
- $66.56/hr
What do broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys do?
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
- Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
- Operate control consoles.
- Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
- Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
- Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
- Record commercials for later broadcast.
- Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree35%
- Some College Courses30%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)27%
- Master's Degree5%
Common questions
How much does a broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys earn?
The national median is $47,340 a year. The full range runs from $28,190 at the 10th percentile to $138,440 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking4.8/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Writing3.1/5
- Active Learning3.1/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Communications and Media4.8/5
- English Language4.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Telecommunications3.7/5
- Law and Government2.7/5
- Public Safety and Security2.6/5
- Sales and Marketing2.5/5
- Administration and Management2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Time Management, Coordination.