FAQ
Broadcast Announcer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a broadcast announcer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a broadcast announcer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about broadcast announcers
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.
Is broadcast announcer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -7.6% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 2,000 openings each year. Upsides include creative and public; a common challenge is that declining jobs.
What skills does a broadcast announcer need?
Key technical skills include voice delivery, scriptwriting, interviewing, and audio editing. Employers also value personality, quick thinking, and communication.
What certifications are available for broadcast announcers?
Common credentials include Broadcasting degree, FCC rules knowledge, Voice training, and Podcast production training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Broadcast Announcer fit quiz, compare with Journalist, or explore Broadcast Announcer training.
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.