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Disc Jockeys, Except Radio: Job Description

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).

What Do Disc Jockeys, Except Radio Do?

The core tasks performed by disc jockeys, except radio span:

• Accept music requests from event guests.
• Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.
• Advertise services using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
• Assemble audio and video equipment.
• Collect payments from customers.
• Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.
• Conduct sound checks to ensure equipment is working and appropriate for the venue.
• Create itemized invoices to record amounts due for services rendered.

Related Job Titles

People in this occupation may also be known by titles such as:

• Announcer
• Club Disc Jockey (Club DJ)
• DJ (Disk Jockey)
• DJ Assistant (Disc Jockey Assistant)
• Deejay (DJ)
• Disc Jockey (DJ)
• Emcee
• Entertainer

Employment and Demand

There are about 398,019 disc jockeys, except radio working in the United States today. This occupation is expected to decline by -3.0% over the projection horizon.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio Pay

Statistic	Value
Annual median	$87,328
Hourly median	$41.98
10th percentile	$55,750
25th percentile	$71,539
75th percentile	$103,117
90th percentile	$118,905

Pay can vary substantially based on experience, location, and industry.

Top Industries Employing Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Most disc jockeys, except radio are concentrated in the following sectors:

Industry	Employment	Median annual wage
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation	4,090	n/a
Accommodation and Food Services	2,370	n/a
Other Services (except Public Administration)	990	n/a
Information	170	n/a

Below are examples of industries where disc jockeys, except radio work:

Tools and Technology

• Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
• Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
• Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)

Education and Training

This career aligns with Some Preparation Needed (Job Zone 2), indicating the level of preparation typically expected.

Related Careers

Similar Occupations

• Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes (Primary-Short)
• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners (Primary-Long)
• Video Game Designers (Supplemental)
• Special Effects Artists and Animators (Supplemental)
• Producers and Directors (Primary-Long)
• Media Programming Directors (Supplemental)
• Talent Directors (Supplemental)
• Media Technical Directors/Managers (Supplemental)

Where to Study

Future disc jockeys, except radio typically earn programs in:

Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services

1 programs across 1 majors

• Audiovisual Communications

Visual and Performing Arts

1 programs across 1 majors

• Music

Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields

1 programs across 1 majors

• Electronics Engineering

References

This profile draws on the following authoritative sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
• BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
• O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.

SOC code: 27-2091.00 (Disc Jockeys, Except Radio).