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Creative Industries

Broadcast Announcer / Radio Disc Jockey

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.

Annual openings

53

Median wage

$50,660

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

-7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

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 based learning in this or a similar occupation 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.
There are a lot of different jobs within a radio station (marketing, social media, music selection, office management, etc.) beyond a DJ. To break into the industry, small stations need people that can cover multiple jobs.

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.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Arts, Design, and Entertainment
  • Music and Performance

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
  2. Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
  3. Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
  4. Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
  5. Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
  6. Record commercials for later broadcast.
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