Journalist
Find, report and tell the stories that keep the public informed.
- $62,200
- 4 years
Arts, Media & Design career
Broadcast Announcer
Also called: Radio DJ · Radio Host · Sports Announcer · Podcast Host
What broadcast announcers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a broadcast announcer do?
Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television or other communications media. The median pay is $47,340 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Degree plus station experience, and employment is projected to grow -7.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$47,340$22.76/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-7.6%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year2,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to trainDegree plus station experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs21,800Employment, 2025
What broadcast announcers do
Broadcast announcers are the voices of media. They host radio shows, introduce music, read news and ads, interview guests, call sports and host podcasts and live events.
BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical. Employment is declining as stations consolidate.
Typical duties
- Host shows
- Introduce music
- Read news and ads
- Interview guests
- Call games
- Prepare content
- Engage listeners
Work environment and schedule
Announcers work in studios and at live events.
Schedule: Early mornings, nights and weekends are common.
A day in the life
- Prep the morning show.
- Go on air.
- Interview a guest.
- Record ads.
See a full day in the life of a broadcast announcer →
Broadcast Announcer salary
Half of broadcast announcers earned more than $47,340 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $28,190 for the lowest 10% to $138,440 for the top 10%.
Full broadcast announcer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a broadcast announcer
- Earn a communications degree
- Work at college radio
- Intern at a station
- Get on-air shifts
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in communications or broadcasting is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a broadcast announcer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Voice delivery
- Scriptwriting
- Interviewing
- Audio editing
- Board operation
People skills
- Personality
- Quick thinking
- Communication
- Composure
All broadcast announcer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative and public
- Fun work
- Local celebrity
- Podcast growth
Cons
- Declining jobs
- Low pay at small stations
- Odd hours
- Station consolidation
Certifications and licenses
- Broadcasting degree: Communications.
- FCC rules knowledge: Required.
- Voice training: Helpful.
- Podcast production training: Helpful.
Career path
- Board Operator: Entry.
- Part-Time Host: On air.
- Full-Time Host: Own shift.
- Program Director: Lead station.
Learn the job before day one
Our Broadcast Announcer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as do a tight radio break and interview a guest on air, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Broadcast Announcer vs. Journalist · Broadcast Announcer vs. Broadcast Technician · Broadcast Announcer vs. PR Specialist · Broadcast Announcer vs. Producer and Director
Broadcast Announcer FAQ
Is radio declining?
BLS projects decline, though podcasting grows.
Do I need a degree?
BLS lists a bachelor’s as typical.
What is an air check?
A recording of your on-air work.
How much does a broadcast announcer make?
The median annual wage for broadcast announcers was $47,340 ($22.76 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,190 and the highest 10% earned more than $138,440.
How long does it take to become a broadcast announcer?
Most people need about Degree plus station experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in communications or broadcasting is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a broadcast announcer?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More broadcast announcer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-3011 (Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.