Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
O*NET 27-3011.00 · SOC 27-3011
Broadcast Announcer is a risky career choice. Median pay is $47k a year with -7.6% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 2,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Deliver live news broadcasts or sports commentary on air.
- →Introduce music tracks and engage listeners between songs.
- →Interview guests live on radio or television programs.
- →Write and rehearse scripts before going on air.
- →Monitor broadcast schedules to ensure smooth on-air transitions.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Broadcast Announcer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Creative, studios, agencies, or remote
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Broadcast Announcer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Broadcast Announcer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Broadcast Announcer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys is projected to decline 7.6% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·50% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Broadcast Announcer make?
The median Broadcast Announcer earns $47k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Broadcast Announcer jobs?
Our model puts Broadcast Announcer at 40 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 50% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Broadcast Announcer a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 7.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 2,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Broadcast Announcer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Broadcast Announcer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Broadcast Announcer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Broadcast Announcer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes