Working in radio means you won't work regular, predictable hours every week. Depending on what your radio station's general manager needs, you may work late into the night or early in the morning. Radio announcers and disc jockeys don't always work inside the physical confines of the radio station--depending on events in the community, they may operate a broadcast at a remote location, announcing a grand opening or the beginning of a community celebration.
General and Operations Manager
The general manager and operations manager of a radio station earns a median hourly salary of $46.94. In larger, metropolitan areas, radio managers' salaries are higher than they are in smaller areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Another factor affecting the salary of a radio general manager is the benefits attached to his pay. These include paid vacation or annual leave, sick leave, health insurance and a pension plan. These benefits are available to all full-time radio station employees and are more likely to be made available to personnel working for larger stations.
Radio Announcers
Radio announcers may fill a second role as a producer, according to PayScale. These employees earn a median annual salary of $30,543. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that radio announcers earn a median hourly salary of $12.76.
These employees may also be covered by union contracts--the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians, the International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are the main unions representing broadcast employees.
Advertising Account Executives
The account executives or advertising sales agents earn a median hourly salary of $20.33, according to the BLS. A portion of this is base salary and the remainder is commission based on advertising sales made to businesses in the broadcast area. PayScale reports the account advertising executive earns a median annual salary of $33,530. Simply Hired points out that "average" radio salaries are impacted by location company, industry, benefits and experience.
Disc Jockey
Disc jockeys (DJs) earn a median annual salary of $30,340, according to PayScale. These employees are expected to have a wide-ranging knowledge of music since they select the music played at different times of the day. Disc jockeys are responsible for interviewing guests, providing weather and traffic updates and taking music requests from station listeners.
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