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Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Under the title Disc Jockeys, Except Radio, workers play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on social perceptiveness, speaking, and time management. One core duty is to operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones. On the six-type interest model it reads AEC, meaning creative work with room for original expression comes first, followed by leading, persuading and making business decisions. People who want creative work with room for original expression usually fit better here than those who need research, analysis and working through hard problems.

What they do

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).

Main tasks

  • Operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones.
  • Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.
  • Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.
  • Collect payments from customers.
  • Develop written contracts for bookings.
  • Assemble audio and video equipment.

Skills

  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Time Management
  • Service Orientation
  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You want room to make something in your own way.
  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on social perceptiveness and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You prefer clear instructions to open creative briefs.
  • You want to spend most of your time analyzing and researching. Investigative rates 1.6 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code AEC takes the three highest, and Artistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Also called

  • DJ (Disk Jockey)
  • MC (Master of Ceremonies)
  • Mobile Disc Jockey (Mobile DJ)
  • Wedding Disc Jockey (Wedding DJ)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.