Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
-2% projected 2024โ€“2034

What They Do

Disc jockeys curate the musical atmosphere at live events, from nightclubs and wedding receptions to corporate functions and private parties. They arrive early to set up sound equipment, test audio levels, and coordinate with event planners or venue staff to understand the crowd and occasion. Throughout an event, they read the energy of the room and select tracks that keep people engaged and dancing, seamlessly transitioning between songs using turntables, controllers, or digital software. Many DJs employ advanced techniques like beatmatching, mixing, scratching, and sampling to create unique soundscapes rather than simply pressing play.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(associates)Stark State College, OH
$109,198
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(associates)Bismarck State College, ND
$89,460
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)University of Arkansas Grantham, AR
$87,606
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Excelsior University, NY
$83,479
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Wayne State University, MI
$82,524
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, OK
$78,417
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Texas A&M University-College Station, TX
$78,185
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)California State University-Chico, CA
$77,965
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO
$75,966
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Purdue University Northwest, IN
$75,675
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
$75,227
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Purdue University Fort Wayne, IN
$74,981
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Purdue University-Main Campus, IN
$74,981
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Indiana State University, IN
$74,981
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Louisiana Tech University, LA
$74,863
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Prairie View A & M University, TX
$74,835
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)University of North Texas, TX
$74,835
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)University of Houston, TX
$74,835
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, TX
$74,835
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)LeTourneau University, TX
$74,835
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Texas Southern University, TX
$74,835
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)University of Maine, ME
$73,692
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, IL
$72,495
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Johnson & Wales University-Providence, RI
$72,120
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)SUNY Buffalo State University, NY
$71,894

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