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Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and CommunicationsO*NET 27-2091.00United States

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.

COMING SOON See related ASU learning
Median annual earnings
$49,514

50th percentile, United States

Projected change
+21%

2025 to 2035

Typical education
High school diploma or less

81% of the workforce

Employment
19.42K jobs

Growing to 23.49K by 2035

Explore this career by location

Compare nationwide estimates with state or county job-market data.

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Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

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The work

What disc jockeys, except radio do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

  • 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.
  • Create tailored playlists by aligning music with event functions.
  • Develop written contracts for bookings.
  • Encourage guests to dance using group dances, competitions, or other party games.
  • Lead party games, such as dance-offs or prize giveaways.
  • Listen to music before playing at events to ensure recordings are appropriate and meet quality standards.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of music releases and trends.
  • Mix, cut, or sample recorded music using DJ controllers, CDJs, or DJ mixers.
  • Operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones.
  • Operate visual effects equipment, such as lights, fog machines, or lasers.
  • Organize music libraries or playlists.
  • Select and play music incorporating crowd preferences and mood.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile
$19,826
25th percentile
$33,571
50th percentile
$49,514
75th percentile
$100,679
90th percentile
$195,798

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $49,514 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

+21%much faster than average
202519,419 jobs
2035 projected23,489 jobs

4,070 more positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

High school diploma or less
81%
Bachelor's degree
10.1%
Some college
8.9%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

  • Lifting Ability
  • Marketing
  • Event Operations
  • Event Management
  • Event Planning
  • Selling Techniques
  • Merchandising
  • Broadcasting
  • Loading And Unloading
  • Live Streaming
  • Journalism
  • Good Driving Record
  • Inventory Staging
  • Inventory Management
  • Zoom (Video Conferencing Tool)
  • Photography
  • Workflow Management
  • Operations Management
  • Social Media
  • Bartending

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

  1. 01Disc Jockeys295 postings
  2. 02Masters of Ceremonies183 postings
  3. 03Summer Interns181 postings
  4. 04Wedding Planners143 postings
  5. 05Karaoke Hosts113 postings
  6. 06Mascots110 postings
  7. 07College Area Scouts106 postings
  8. 08Game Day Staff101 postings
  9. 09Stagehands96 postings
  10. 10Cruise Directors78 postings
  11. 11Wedding and Event Managers73 postings
  12. 12Wedding Managers70 postings
  13. 13Public Address Announcers62 postings
  14. 14Interns57 postings
  15. 15Trivia Hosts56 postings
  16. 16Farmers Market Managers52 postings
  17. 17DJ Assistants50 postings
  18. 18Directors48 postings
  19. 19Board Operators43 postings
  20. 20Master Control Operators41 postings

Top employers

  1. 01Perfect Game USA129 postings
  2. 02Leigh And Co128 postings
  3. 03American Cruise Lines114 postings
  4. 04King Trivia86 postings
  5. 05Graymedia81 postings
  6. 06Complete Weddings + Events77 postings
  7. 07Rhino Staging & Event Solutions64 postings
  8. 08Six Flags Entertainment Corporation54 postings
  9. 09Oak View Group47 postings
  10. 10Gray Television45 postings
  11. 11NFI Industries39 postings
  12. 12Hawk-Eye Innovations Ltd35 postings
  13. 13Carowinds34 postings
  14. 14Cedar Point30 postings
  15. 15Major League Baseball27 postings
  16. 16Ballertv26 postings
  17. 17Connoisseur Media26 postings
  18. 18Backstage International Ltd24 postings
  19. 19Dj Connection23 postings
  20. 20Churchill Downs20 postings

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