Salary Range for Disc Jockeys

The salary range for disc jockeys varies depending on a number of factors

Music is a source of entertainment for parties, reunions and other social gatherings. A disc jockey, also known as a DJ, provides that entertainment. If you are choosing this path as a career, it should be noted that the salary range varies according to locale, type and experience. However, the median salary in general falls somewhere between $25,000 to $55,000.

History

It is believed first DJ dance party began in England.

According to an article written on discjockey101.com, a man named Jimmy Savile launched the world's first DJ dance party in 1943 by playing jazz in the upstairs function room of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherd's in Otley, England. From there clubs opened in France and other parts of Europe immediately after World War II. Those clubs relied on disc jockeys for the entertainment because they were paid much less than a live band.

Types

Radio is another type of disc jockey

Types of disc jockeys include karaoke, radio and club as well as broadcast. While it depends on the area, a karaoke disc jockey makes on the average $50-$100 a show. A radio DJ can make anywhere from $25,000 to $45,000 yearly while a club DJ makes about the same. Earnings are higher in larger cities. In May 2008, the average hourly wages of radio and television announcers--some of whom were disc jockeys--were $19.43, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Industries

Media network disc jockeys have a higher average median salary.

As stated, salaries vary widely due to location. While a radio broadcasting disc jockey salary range falls between $25,000 and $43,000 as of 2010, entertainment DJs come in slightly above that with a range of $27,000 to $44,000, according to payscale.com. A Media network disc jockey has a median salary of about $37,000. Due to sheer volume, a disc jockey would most likely make more in a city as opposed to suburban or rural areas.

Employers

Being a self-employed disc jockey is an option.

Some of the more popular employers for disc jockeys as of 2010 include Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Cumulus, CBS Radio, Inc.,Citadel Broadcasting Corporation, CBS Corporation. There are also smaller stations, including college stations, that employ DJs with some even offering internships. Another option is self-employment. Mobile disc jockeys carry equipment with them and play recorded music at various events. In terms of salary, they tend to be on the lower end, since they have be the talent as well as the promoter.

Requirements

DJs work individually as well as in groups.

Experience is also a factor when it comes to desired salary. Requirements of disc jockeys include working well with people and having an appreciation and knowledge of all music. Disc jockeys who work at a radio station must be knowledgeable and involved with all areas of broadcasting. Although experience is not necessarily a requirement, it is a positive. Some DJs work as part of a larger group or on an individual with a few even being considered local celebrities.

References

• Payscale.com: Salary Snapshot for Disc Jockey (DJ), Radio Jobs
• Disc Jockey 101: DJ History: The First-Wave of Club DJ Growth, 1943-1969
• Bls.gov :BLS Career Information-Disc Jockey