Disc jockeys, except radio: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media · SOC 27-2091 · O*NET 27-2091.00
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).
Disc jockeys, except radio fall under the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media category in the U.S. occupational classification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.8% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.
What do disc jockeys, except radio earn?
BLS does not publish a current median annual wage for disc jockeys, except radio, which usually means the occupation is small, niche, or reported only as part of a broader category. For pay context, check the parent SOC group or O*NET's wage-by-state tables.
Is disc jockeys, except radio a growing career?
The 10-year outlook for disc jockeys, except radio is +3.8%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 15K positions in 2024 to 16K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.
What education does my child need to become disc jockeys, except radio?
The standard path into disc jockeys, except radio begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.
Related careers your child might also consider
How parents help teens explore careers like this
Solyo helps parents map a teen's interests to specific careers, then back to the colleges and majors that lead there. Salary, outlook, and education data come from BLS and O*NET — the same sources high school counselors use — but presented for the parent's planning lens, not the student's exploration view.
Common questions parents ask about disc jockeys, except radio
What is the median salary for disc jockeys, except radio?
BLS does not publish a current median wage for disc jockeys, except radio as a standalone occupation.
Is disc jockeys, except radio a growing career?
BLS projects +3.8% growth for disc jockeys, except radio from 2024 through 2034, which is average growth projected to grow at roughly the US average.
What education does my child need to become disc jockeys, except radio?
The typical entry path requires a bachelor's degree, plus any state licensure or certification specific to the role. Programs that align well with this career can be filtered inside Solyo's college search.
What careers are similar to disc jockeys, except radio?
Related occupations within the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media category share education paths and skill profiles, so they're a useful starting set when a teen is uncertain. The "Related careers" section below lists nearby options.
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics program. Skills, tasks, and education distribution from the O*NET database. Job outlook from the BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 release.