Disc Jockeys

According to Nielsen, radio reached 91 percent of all Americans age 18 and over every week in 2023. Despite radio's popularity, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) projects that employment of announcers will decline by 4 percent from 2023 to 2033. As a result, competition for jobs will be great in an already competitive field (especially in top radio markets such as New York and Chicago).

Fewer positions will be available to disc jockeys in the future due to the use of voice tracking (in which disc jockeys pre-record segments to use at a later time for another shift previously covered by a different DJ or at a radio station in another media market). Additionally, the increase of syndicated radio programs, including those on subscription-based satellite networks, and the use of artificial intelligence DJs, will limit opportunities for disc jockeys.

While on-air radio personalities are not necessarily affected by economic downturns, mergers and changes in the industry have also affected employment. If a radio station has to make cuts due to a weak economy, it will most likely do so in a behind-the-scenes area, which means that the disc jockeys who remain may face a further diversity in their duties.

While small stations will still hire beginners, on-air experience will be increasingly important. Another area where job seekers can push ahead of the competition is in specialization. Knowledge of specific areas such as business, consumer, and health news, or a particular geographic area, may be advantageous.

Employment for disc jockeys who play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events is expected to increase 5 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the DOL. This is faster than average for all careers. "DJs, with the exception of radio DJs, will be in demand to play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, and wedding receptions," according to the DOL.