Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between audio engineers and disc jockeys can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an audio engineer, becoming a disc jockey takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an audio engineer has an average salary of $55,853, which is higher than the $54,894 average annual salary of a disc jockey.
The top three skills for an audio engineer include video production, audio systems and audio visual. The most important skills for a disc jockey are R, audio equipment, and video equipment.
An audio engineer is a trained professional who specializes in working with the mechanics of recording, mixing, and reproducing sound. Audio engineers work with clients such as record producers, musicians, and artists to record the sound they are making and manipulate the equalizer, the compression, and the gates when mixing. They must possess excellent skills in operating recording equipment as well as maintain them. Audio engineers can also work in different audio fields that can include church audio, live performances, and internet radio.
Disk jockeys are responsible for providing entertainment by playing the best songs for a specific target audience. Usually, disc jockeys work for a radio station or a recreational club. Disc jockeys must be able to have comprehensive knowledge of the music trends to provide the best music experience for the listeners. One of the duties of a disk jockey also includes being able to operate provided systems and equipment to ensure voice and music quality. A disc jockey must even know how to communicate with the audience to take requests and suggestions from the listeners.
Audio engineers and disc jockeys have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Audio Engineer | Disc Jockey | |
| Average salary | $55,853 | $54,894 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $102,000 | Between $29,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Waterbury, CT |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Meta | University of Central Florida |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between an audio engineer and a disc jockey in terms of educational background:
| Audio Engineer | Disc Jockey | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Music | Communication |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | - |
Here are the differences between audio engineers' and disc jockeys' demographics:
| Audio Engineer | Disc Jockey | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7% | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 5.0% White, 69.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 16% |