Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
SOC code 27-2091 · O*NET-SOC 27-2091.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
—
a year
Hourly
$21.61
per hour
Average pay
—
$32.57 per hour
Middle 50%
— – —
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
— – —
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
7,920
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- —
- $13.50/hr
- 25th percentile
- —
- $16.91/hr
- Median percentile
- —
- $21.61/hr
- 75th percentile
- —
- $37.50/hr
- 90th percentile
- —
- $60.17/hr
What do disc jockeys, except radio do?
Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones.
- Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.
- Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.
- Collect payments from customers.
- Develop written contracts for bookings.
- Assemble audio and video equipment.
- Select and play music incorporating crowd preferences and mood.
- Conduct sound checks to ensure equipment is working and appropriate for the venue.
How to qualify for this work
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
Can you become a disc jockeys, except radio without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.5/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Writing2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.8/5
- Computers and Electronics4.4/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Communications and Media3.7/5
- Sales and Marketing3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
- Administrative2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Time Management, Coordination.