Radio and Television Announcers

Salaries for announcers vary widely, but generally they are low. The exceptions are those announcers who work for major networks and stations that serve large metropolitan areas.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that median hourly earnings for radio and television announcers were $16.65 in May 2019, which is about $34,630 a year. The lowest paid 10 percent made less than $9.29 an hour ($19,330 a year) and the highest paid 10 percent made more than $50.57 an hour ($105,180 a year).

Nationally known announcers and newscasters who appear regularly on network television programs receive salaries that may be quite impressive. For those who become top television personalities in large metropolitan areas, salaries also are quite rewarding.

Most radio or television stations broadcast 24 hours a day. Although much of the material may be prerecorded, announcing staff must often be available and as a result may work considerable overtime or split shifts, especially in smaller stations. Evening, night, weekend, and holiday duty may provide additional compensation.