How much you make as a talk show host may depend on how well-known you are.
Talk show hosts may receive high levels of attention and pay. American talk show host Oprah Winfrey, for instance, is known to reach millions of viewers and was paid $260 million in 2007. In the broadcasting business, however, high earners such as Winfrey are the exception rather than the rule. Although certain people may be attracted to careers in television and radio, the majority of talk show hosts earn salaries that are measured in the thousands, not millions, of dollars.
Average Salary
The career website Simply Hired reports that the average yearly salary for all talk show hosts is $33,000 as of 2010. However, the exact salary for talk show hosts varies widely and is influenced by factors such as geographic location and level of experience. The lowest 10 percent of broadcast announcers earn $7.45 per hour, while the highest 10 percent make $36.42 or more per hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries in the television industry are usually higher than those in radio.
Salary Variation
A number of factors can cause the salary of a talk show host to vary above or below the national average. Geographic location plays a role in the earnings of a host. Generally, talk show hosts in large metro areas with a broad audience base tend to earn more than talk hosts in rural areas. For instance, SimplyHired.com indicates that the typical salary for a talk show host in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is $32,000 per year. In the larger metro area of Atlanta, the average salary rises to $34,000. The city of Los Angeles is larger than either of these other two locations, and talk hosts here earn around $36,000.
Career Outlook
Competition for jobs in the radio and broadcasting fields is strong, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between 2008 and 2018, job opportunities for talk show hosts and other announcers in broadcasting are projected to decrease by 4 percent. The decrease in job availability will be due mostly to competition from a large number of candidates who are interested in broadcasting. The bureau also reports that alternative media sources, including the Internet, will reduce the demand for traditional radio and television broadcast professionals.
Job Description
The job of a talk show host is to lead interesting discussions on television and radio. Talk show hosts often focus on one particular topic, such as politics or sports. Talk show hosts are responsible for planning the content of each program and set up interviews with guests. In addition to being strong communicators who are able to keep track of details, talk show hosts must also be entertaining or humorous.
There are no specific educational requirements for talk show host positions. However, hosts typically study communications or journalism at the college level and may have bachelor's degrees. Talk show hosts often attend specialized broadcasting trade classes, in which they practice both the artistic and technical aspects of the profession. Typically, talk show hosts begin their careers by working for local community broadcast stations or nonprofit public access channels. Certain broadcasters receive internships at radio or television stations and learn about the industry through hands-on experience.
Tags: show hosts, talk show, salary talk, salary talk show, show host, talk show host, talk show hosts
