Arts, design, media and sports
Disc jockeys, except radio
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).
Median pay
$44,949
hourly × 2,080
Growth to 2035
+4%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
1,700
Time to qualify*
1 month
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Disc jockeys, except radio: BLS publishes hourly pay only for this job.
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Disc jockeys, except radio: 8% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
Also called: DJ (Disk Jockey) · MC (Master of Ceremonies) · Mobile Disc Jockey (Mobile DJ) · Wedding Disc Jockey (Wedding DJ)
Outlook and AI
Disc jockeys, except radio held 16,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 17,600 by 2035 (+4%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Sound engineering technician
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Music directors and composers
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Audio and video technicians
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Meeting, convention, and event planners
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Musicians and singers
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Audiovisual equipment installers and repairers
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Producers and directors
- Disc jockeys, except radio vs. Broadcast technician