How much does a disc jockey make?
The median disc jockey in the United States earns N/A per year, about $20.59 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all disc jockeys earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 27-2091.
Disc jockey salary range
Pay for disc jockeys spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under N/A a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than N/A.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | N/A | $10.65 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | N/A | $15.13 | |
| Median (50th) | N/A | $20.59 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | N/A | $38.69 | |
| 90th percentile | N/A | $95.50 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for disc jockeys, except radio (SOC 27-2091), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Job outlook for disc jockeys
The BLS projects employment of disc jockeys to grow 3.8% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 16,900 jobs in 2025 moving toward 17,600 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 1,700 openings a year for disc jockeys. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a disc jockey
The typical entry-level education for disc jockeys is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete short-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a disc jockey earns
Employer, market size, reputation, and whether the work is staff or freelance drive a wide pay spread. A small group of top earners pulls the high end of this field well up.
About 8,170 people work as disc jockeys in the United States. At N/A a year, the job pays below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Disc jockey salary FAQ
How much does a disc jockey make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a disc jockey is $20.59. The middle half of disc jockeys earn between $15.13 and $38.69 per hour.
What is the highest disc jockey salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of disc jockeys earn more than N/A per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a disc jockey make a year?
The median annual salary for a disc jockey is N/A.
Is being a disc jockey a well paid job?
At N/A a year, a disc jockey earns below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 8,170 people work as disc jockeys in the United States.
Is being a disc jockey a good career?
Employment of disc jockeys is projected to grow 3.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 1,700 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a disc jockey?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for disc jockeys as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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