Radio DJs How much do Radio DJ's make.

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I have never been in the industry, but I thought it would be interesting. I'm not looking for a job. I have to many as it is.

I guess I would just like the "glory pay". (LOL)
 
Honestly they have said the Radio Jock was dying back in the 80's. Somehow the good ones have survived along with the work for nothing ones. the middle class like society is almost extinct.
 
Jon Tuck said:
I rekindled an old flame going on air with my good Friend Johnny K Wednesday on Radio CIVL in Abbotsford. Hey I was his guest for his wednesday afternoon show. I received no pay but after a 36 yr absence from a radio booth I had such a great time. Johnny has come so far in his life experience and we had a blast. Chuck from Maui has joined a local Radio show in Maui and he probably relates to me on the thrill of being on air. Johnny's show is zany and fun. I brought in some vinyl and gave it to him as he loves receiving unique stuff. I brought in some Nuge for my entry and outro but added the English Beat, General Public and some other oddball stuff including Trini Lopez. The station allows only one song per hour top 40. I was tasked with reading the PSA's I think I pulled it off. The show was slapstick , Zany and spontaneous. Several times we joined together off the cuff in providing humour and similar views.
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'Tis funny: I was simply surfing the net, and I came across this thread. So, I figured that I would drop in. :)

Steve LeBlanc said:
unless you're the morning guy with a high profile in a big market, you make squat....
Stations are voice tracking to cut down on air staff; 90% of your on air staff are newbies.....Radio ain't what it used to be...
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DJin ain't what it used to be, either. The irony here is the fact that I cannot comprehend the changes in the DJ industry, yet I can relate to that same facet applying to radio. I don't get paid to be on the radio (heck, I'm not even on the "radio"--LOL), but being on the radio has opened doors that I did not even know existed, because it opened my eyes (again, it's irony--get it, cuz it's radio?). Being a "radio personality" has benefitted me in many ways. It's a great credential. That said, it really is my "personality," in the first place, that was always my greatest asset. The problem was that I did not realise that until I started hosting a radio show--which I was even reluctant to do at one point.

Now, some of you may know me as an odd duck--something which I resented for a long time, but now embrace; therefore, it is safe to say that my experience is far from the norm. The funny thing is that Jon also mentioned Chuck, who fairly recently wrote a note to me, regarding the fact that he can relate to being, as I say, "odd."

Just like the big shot DJ fantasy that's out there, one size DOES NOT fit all; also, similarly, it's more what you do with your radio DJ "income" (direct or indirect--probably, mostly indirect) than what the "income" actually is.

So, why is my radio show working (regardless, of how many--or few--people listen)? I use it to reach out to the people. How many radio shows actually do that? How many shows are, literally, "LISTENER-DRIVEN"? I shall end by relating this to my DJ business: contrary to what I am "supposed" to be doing as a DJ business person, I listen to my clients (regardless of how many--or few--people hire me), and I provide an alternative that is, by every definition of the word, unique.

Don't try this at home, kids, especially if your goal in life is to make as much money for the least amount of labour, because the phrase, "Work smarter, not harder," does not exactly apply, here.

My conclusion, as a non-expert who has been on the "radio" for just over one year, is that, while there might not be much money in radio, it may very well be a great career move. Then again, entering the drug trade is a great move for others. Eh?
 
I interned 1 year at my local country station (wdsd) and another year at the classic rock station (wrdx) and from what I have personally eyewitnessed yes radio is the lowest paid gig! Some of the best times with them tho!

I worked 8 years in tv production with Comcast Sports Network Delmarva and I can tell you that on air talent get paid more then any production crew member. A LOT more!!!


Radio Jocks don't make crap! If they do then they are nationally syndicated in every major market.
 
shanefrom302 said:
I interned 1 year at my local country station (wdsd) and another year at the classic rock station (wrdx) and from what I have personally eyewitnessed yes radio is the lowest paid gig! Some of the best times with them tho!

I worked 8 years in tv production with Comcast Sports Network Delmarva and I can tell you that on air talent get paid more then any production crew member. A LOT more!!!


Radio Jocks don't make crap! If they do then they are nationally syndicated in every major market.
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That WAS true, but now it isn't always true. Now understand I worked in Philly TV until August this year. They fired most on air talent who made a lot of money. They brought in people making 1/3rd, or even 1/4th the money.

I was making way more then than the weekend sports and weather anchors.

If fact, we had a fill wxr woman who used to be a big name in Philly wxr. I was discussing doing a bubble party for her son's birthday. When she asked about price, I gave her my standard $225 rate. anyway, she volunteered that this was $75 MORE than she was making for a whole shift doing weather.
 
Abbey Lane said:
I once heard that media people are paid this way:

(1) TV gets paid the highest
(2) Newsaper is next
(3) Radio is the lowest paid of all three

Is this true? I'm just talking about your local radio station, not the "Big Time".
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This may take awhile..

At least in my area yes...Being a former radio DJ, part timers were paid $8 per hour. Full time varies due to experience, from $22 K and up. The top dogs in my area are getting $70K++...But it's a 12 hour day. Between on air, production, meetings with the OM (Operation Manager) PD (Program director) - it turns into a long day...

There are alot of fringe benefits - You get to meet celebs...You get Front row and backstage tix to concerts...Free food at restaurants...Free drinks at the bars..You're living high on the hog..

As far as the Health Benefits are concerned, this is why most full time DJs have 2 jobs...Most have to pay for thier insurance independantly.

This is why alot of radio Djs do not stay long at their stations..

As far as getting in to the station, make a demo no more than 2 minutes..The first 30 seconds the PD kjnows whether or not your a good fit. Be persistant, contact the PD 3-4 times a week. Fit their format with the sound check.

Yes, the pay sucks but if you're good, you'll go far eventually..
 
I started in radio when I was 16 and was on the air for the next 17 years. I escaped 13 years ago when consolidation was really taking off and now work for a well known vendor to the Radio industry.

Small market weekender to large market Morning Host, MD, PD, I've done it all and I can tell you it's a "young man's" profession...there is always someone much younger than you who will gladly take your job for half your salary. I was 33 and considered "the old man" as PD/Morning guy at my last station! If you don't have a family, live in a small apartment, don't mind moving a LOT to market hop and can live on bar food and free t-shirts, it's a great job. Don't get me wrong...I have some incredible memories/stories from back in the day. When you are 25, it's the best job EVER. What 20-something DOESN'T like the women, all-access passes, free drink tabs, feeling like a celebrity and all the CD's you can carry home?!

But unless you are one of the very small few who do mornings in a Top 20 market, you are never going to earn the big bucks and you will STILL be working every concert, promotion and holiday. You will still be spending your Saturday's at the Honda dealer handing out bumper stickers, t-shirts & hotdogs. You will still be living most of your life at the station. Now, there are those "lifers" I know who in their 40's/50's & beyond still do these things. They can't let go, mostly because they don't know what else to do. Being a semi-star also strokes the ego's of some people and they need that recognition of "being somebody" to get by.

Also keep in mind that in top 100 markets, your worth as an employee and how good you are, has very little to do with your actual performance, but everything to do with the Arbitron ratings. Your life & career rest in the hands of a few hundred strangers whose fickle opinions result in you getting a raise or getting fired. If your station doesn't have decent marketing or a good signal, you could be Robin Williams and your ratings will suck. It is a very unnerving feeling knowing that your destiny has little to do with what you actually DO.

In my opinion, the industry isn't dieing but due to many factors the job pool IS shrinking. It doesn't take an air staff of 30 to run a radio station anymore...many clusters run five or more stations with just a handful of staff. Some are fully automated. Many are voice tracked. What used to be the entry level positions, (weekend overnights, Sunday mornings, etc) just don't exist anymore.

I like to say I outgrew radio. I have some incredible memories, many would get me arrested today! But I won't be going back. My suggestion? Go back to school and be a Doctor. I wish I had. :sqlaugh:
 
I've worked for all of the big three
Clear Channel
Cbs
Entercom

Had health benefits with all of them, fringe benefits with all of them (well yeah i got out because of good ole elliot spitzer)
and CRAP PAY.

I made $27,000 doing nights in Baltimore as a teenager and $24,000 being APD/MD at 25 in Norfolk.

So there you have it
 
Whoops...I guess in my rant I never answered the OP's question.

At the peak of my radio career, I was making 75k doing morning drive in a town that, at the time, was rated market #36 by Arbitron. Pretty good money, BUT that job lasted exactly 9 months due to poor management and at the end of the day I was moving my wife AGAIN for the 5th time. Off to another state! My last radio job I was PD & Morning guy in a Top 100 market and making $60k + extra's (remotes, live spots, endorsements, etc). That gig lasted three years and the only reason I was able to get that salary was because I agreed to do both jobs. I was in at 5am and out at 5pm Monday through Friday, plus a Saturday morning show as well. (this was Pre-Voicetracking).

The point is that if you want to make a lot of money, you have to be prepared to move... a lot. The money is in Mornings and realistically there are only 10 decent jobs in every town, give or take. It's not like working for the post office where you get a gig and keep it for the next 30 years. Those are very, very rare.
 
finally
a post I have some credibility to answer!
after 28 years (last week) I can say that radio pays CRAP!
Part timers get just over minimum wage, and usually have to pad their paychecks with a full time job
Full timers get very low wages, usually based on the assumption that you will get paying club gigs and appearances.
These days, most stations have as few employees as financially possible, and EVERYONE has more than ONE responsibilty.
Myself, I am Production Director first, and also do the overnight air shift (pre-recorded)
Let's just say that they are NOT paying me any extra for the on air work, and I haven't had a raise for the full time office job in about 15 years.

but I still love every minute of it!
 
Not sure how much they make, but practically all of them gig themselves out, so it can't be enough.

I've been living in Boston all my life and we have been listening to the same radio personalities for all these years. I can count on one hand the number of new jocks to hit the air and Seacrest is one of them. So, I will assume that's it's not something you can wake up and decide to do. I'm sure the doormats that work for them are changing constantly.

However, since all these prime jocks are old and will be retiring soon, spots may open. Most likely these spots will be filled by personalities from other cities or afternoon shifts taking morning slots.
 
Hank Davidson said:
Not sure how much they make, but practically all of them gig themselves out, so it can't be enough.

I've been living in Boston all my life and we have been listening to the same radio personalities for all these years. I can count on one hand the number of new jocks to hit the air and Seacrest is one of them. So, I will assume that's it's not something you can wake up and decide to do. I'm sure the doormats that work for them are changing constantly.

However, since all these prime jocks are old and will be retiring soon, spots may open. Most likely these spots will be filled by personalities from other cities or afternoon shifts taking morning slots.
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That's pretty much it Hank...a live jock is fired or let go and is replaced by a jock 300 miles away. That's where this industry is headed. I'm in Phoenix and was doing live traffic for Vegas a few years back.
 
I have 2 prime radio jocks here in ATL working for me. I know they have told me that the average in Atlanta is $32,000.00

Syndication changes all of that, but for a regular jock, (unless you're in the #1 drive time slot, or morning show) you don't make squat.

On the flip side, Radio jocks don't do anything anymore..

I've come in and worked with my guy on one of the top 3 Atlanta stations when the entire staff was at Bonnaroo..

the commercials are pre-inserted, the trip tones set the next song off, you basically surf the web, announce the upcoming concerts, do a couple subway commercials in cool edit, and play nerf basketball..

stations really don't need jocks anymore.

I do miss the old days of radio, staying up until the break of dawn listening to 91.1 WFMU out of jersey, and hearing all sorts of magical new stuff I never heard before...

Now with the exception of Lil' Steven's underground Garage show, there's nothing on the radio that I care to listen to, and when a commercial break comes on, I change the channel.
 
Steve Lynch said:
stations really don't need jocks anymore.

and when a commercial break comes on, I change the channel.
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As a man who MAKES radio commercials for a living, I HATE YOU!!
(just kidding)
I learned long ago, that my value is NOT with the listeners, but with the clients!

It's true that the days of a DJ picking the music, doing live breaks, playing the actual LP's or CD's, and physically playing each spot...are gone!
but I must disagree a little...
stations DO need jocks...they just don't need as many, and they don't necessarily have to be AT the station they are heard on.
We still have a full time staff of jocks who live and work here. But all of us have other duties, so most of the show is pre-recorded...so we can get the other work done.
It's lost some of the thrill of live radio, but lost some of the screw-ups as well. Radio has always, and will always thrive because of it's local connection.
 
Oh yeah...
here in Eastern PA (not a major market)
the salary is just over 20k on average.
that is based on the assumption that their salaries will be boosted by local appearances and commercial endorsements.
(you know, the completely undependable things)
 
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