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The differences between disc jockeys and on-air personalities can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a disc jockey and an on-air personality. Additionally, a disc jockey has an average salary of $54,894, which is higher than the $42,380 average annual salary of an on-air personality.
The top three skills for a disc jockey include R, audio equipment and video equipment. The most important skills for an on-air personality are facebook, FCC, and twitter.
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.
On-Air personalities are celebrities with a platform on broadcast media. They are usually radio hosts hosting a talk show, a podcast, or even a music program. On-Air Personalities are influential people whose opinions are revered by their loyal followers. They recommend fashion items, music, places, or events, mostly depending on their advertising partners. On-Air personalities usually invite guests to their program. They would talk about different topics related to a theme or the main genre of the program. They should be engaging, good communicators, and confident.
Disc jockeys and on-air personalities have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Disc Jockey | On-Air Personality | |
| Average salary | $54,894 | $42,380 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $102,000 | Between $23,000 And $76,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waterbury, CT | - |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | - |
| Best paying company | University of Central Florida | - |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a disc jockey and an on-air personality in terms of educational background:
| Disc Jockey | On-Air Personality | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | - | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between disc jockeys' and on-air personalities' demographics:
| Disc Jockey | On-Air Personality | |
| Average age | 41 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% | Male, 64.4% Female, 35.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 4.2% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 10% |