Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Also called: Anchor, Announcer, DJ (Disc Jockey), Host
US median pay
$47,340
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-7.6%
declining
Openings a year (US)
2,000
21,800 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do 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.
- Develop story lines for broadcasts.
- Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.8/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Negotiation2.5/5
Knowledge
- 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
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree35%
- Some college30%
- High school diploma27%
Who this job suits
Mostly Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.