How to become a Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Also called: DJ (Disk Jockey), MC (Master of Ceremonies), Mobile Disc Jockey (Mobile DJ), Wedding Disc Jockey (Wedding DJ)

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).

Main tasks

• Operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones.
• Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.
• Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.
• Collect payments from customers.
• Develop written contracts for bookings.
• Assemble audio and video equipment.
• Select and play music incorporating crowd preferences and mood.
• Conduct sound checks to ensure equipment is working and appropriate for the venue.

How to become one

Entry requirements for announcers and DJs vary. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications; experience gained from internships or working at a school radio or television station is helpful. Other types of DJs typically need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Disk Jockeys, Except Radio.
• Licence: A licence is required in 14 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 16,900 people work in this job now, and about 17,600 are projected by 2035. (+3.8%)
• People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Disc Jockeys, Except Radio?

Entry requirements for announcers and DJs vary. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications; experience gained from internships or working at a school radio or television station is helpful. Other types of DJs typically need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.

Is a Disc Jockeys, Except Radio a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 16,900 to about 17,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Disc Jockeys, Except Radio?

Not always. 29% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Disk Jockeys, Except Radio.

Will AI change the work of a Disc Jockeys, Except Radio?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.