Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
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.
Also called: Anchor, Announcer, Board Operator, Broadcaster, Commercial Announcer, DJ (Disc Jockey)
Median pay
$47,340
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,190 – $138,440
People employed
21,240
Holland code
AES
Artistic · Enterprising · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 2.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys pay by state
Annual median pay by state (47 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys salary in every state →
What broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys do
- 01Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
- 02Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
- 03Operate control consoles.
- 04Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
- 05Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
- 06Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
- Self-Confidence
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys
- Producers and Directors87% · +91%
- Film and Video Editors86% · +59%
- Media Programming Directors83% · group pay
- Talent Directors75% · group pay
- Media Technical Directors/Managers73% · group pay
Change into broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Media Programming Directors80% · $90,360
- Talent Directors75% · $90,360
- Media Technical Directors/Managers70% · $90,360
- Film and Video Editors64% · $75,420
Majors that lead here
- Communication, General
- Speech Communication and Rhetoric
- Broadcast Journalism
- Radio and Television
- Sports Communication
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.