How much, on average, do radio djs make?

Question

I'm looking into possibly becoming a radio DJ... but I'd like to know an average about how much they make annually....

Anyone know?

I know that it really depends on what station and what area I'd work... but thats why I'm looking to find out an average for a "typical" radio DJ

Thanks!

Answer 1

peanuts unless you are in the morning and on a big station.

Answer 2

You are right when you say that it depends on the area. Depending on market size, will make a big difference on the talent fees that you would make in addition to your salary. I know DJ's that make from 20k anywhere to 60k (before talent) roughly 25k-75k after talent... but it also depends on what you bring to the table. Most DJ's just aren't DJ's (especially in smaller markets). A DJ could DJ in addition to being the Program Director, Music Director, Promotions Director, Sales Rep, Production Manager, Business Manager and so on. I don't know one DJ that just DJ's. To be fair, when starting the profession, I would say 20k-25k in smaller markets. You won't start in a larger market until you have had some experience.

Answer 3

Well, my friend's uncle or something is a DJ.

And he makes around 47k.

Not that bad..

Answer 4

10 K upwards, but it depends on your slot, your listeners if you appear on road shows the guest you can get in on the show too willing to talk with you.

it is not as easy as you think i wish you luck

x Kitti x

Answer 5

It absolutely depends on where you are and how highly the station is rated. In the same market, the same shift could differ by $10-$40k annually depending on the rank of the station and its power.

Roxy's pretty close to right. Take a guy like Imus. He had a $40 million contract over several years. He's about to sign a $7-8 mil contract. Still big bux.

Then there's Joe-Bob at WCOW in Nowhere, GA making minimum wage and damglad to have it.

Once you've graduated from Joe-Bob's league it's just a big negotiation. It all depends on what else you're willing to do 'til you get big. Then once you get big... well it's tough.

Take Howard. Everybody's astounded that he got a $500 mil contract. What they don't understand is he got that amount of money to produce at least one (it may be two) full-time satellite radio channels - including all the other talent and expenses. That was the budget - not the paycheck. It's real hard to say how much he takes home after expenses.

There is no typical DJ. But let's just say a guy/gal in Columbia, MO doing mid-days with 4-6 years experience is probably making $40-$60 a year plus talent. The afternoon person $50-$70; mornings (depending on the number of cast members) $90-$140k.  Plus expenses and talent fees.

All nights, weekends and fill-in: $8-$15/hr.

-a guy named duh