What Kind of Salary Do Radio Disc Jockeys Make?

Radio disc jockeys play music that their customers enjoy.

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Radio disc jockeys broadcast music and talk show programs over the radio. They often select the songs, load the playing discs and switch songs as needed. These professionals ensure that clients' advertisements and messages get broadcast on time. They may also host charitable events for organizations, as disc jockeys are usually local celebrities. Many disc jockeys have bachelor's degrees in radio broadcasting. They typically earn annual salaries.

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Radio disc jockeys earned average annual salaries of $39,910, according to a May 2010 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their salaries are often based on experience, the size and budgets of their stations and the geographical areas in which they reside and work. Those who are full-time are usually eligible for hospital and life insurance, paid vacations and holidays and various retirement plans.

Salary by State

Radio disc jockeys' salaries can vary considerably by state. For example, they earned their highest annual salaries in the District of Columbia at $93,690 per year. Living costs are typically higher in this area. Some disc jockeys may frequently interview politicians in the D.C. area, which may justify the higher compensation. Those in Massachusetts earned the second highest salaries at $60,300 per year. These workers received salaries closer to the national average in Florida at $40,670 per year. And those in Pennsylvania earned significantly lower salaries at $32,960 per year.

Salary by Metropolitan Area

Radio disc jockeys' salaries can also vary widely by metropolitan area. For example, those in the Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, California, metropolitan area earned the highest annual salaries at $94,170, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They also earned relatively high salaries in the New York-White Plains-Wayne, New York-New Jersey, area at $75,180 per year. Those in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, California, area also earned above-average salaries at $70,140 annually. These broadcasting professionals earned closer to average salaries in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia, metropolitan area at $41,980 per year. And those in the Alexandra, Louisiana, area made only $26,410 per year.

Job Outlook

Jobs for those announcers, including radio disc jockeys, are expected to decline by 4 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to a December 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics' report. Those who work during the day can tape additional shows for their stations. These prerecorded sessions can then be broadcast at night, eliminating many positions for night radio disc jockeys.

ReferencesBureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Announcers; December 2009Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment Statistics: Radio and Television Announcers; May 2010Education-Portal.com: Disc Jockey (DJ): Job Description, Duties and RequirementsPhoto Credit Pixland/Pixland/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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