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Creative Industries

Disc Jockey (Not Radio)

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).

Annual openings

58

BLS median wage

n/a

Typical education

High school (GED)

10-year growth

+15%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required, though work experience/internship/education building the skills needed to become a professional is expected.

Work-based learning

No information available

Do you love listening to and talking about music, if so, becoming a DJ may be right for you.
To get started, DJ formal or informal events, podcast, find videos and edit and talk about them - practice what you want to do for a job.
Another way to get started is to go to a local venue and be willing to volunteer to help, work hard and ask questions. Express an interest and people are often happy to talk music and careers with you.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Accept music requests from event guests.
  2. Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.
  3. Advertise services using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
  4. Assemble audio and video equipment.
  5. Collect payments from customers.
  6. Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.