How to hire a disc jockey

How to hire a disc jockey, step by step

Here's a step-by-step disc jockey hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a disc jockey job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new disc jockey
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a disc jockey do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your disc jockey job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a disc jockey for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A disc jockey's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, disc jockeys from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of disc jockeys.

   Type of Disc Jockey	Description	Hourly rate
   Disc Jockey	Announcers present music, news, and sports and may provide commentary or interview guests about these or other important topics. Some act as masters of ceremonies (emcees) or disc jockeys (DJs) at weddings, parties, or clubs.	$13-49
   On-Air Personality	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... Show more	$11-36

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • R
   • Audio Equipment
   • Video Equipment
   • Corporate Events
   • Private Parties
   • Radio Station
   • Karaoke
   • Facebook
   • Sound Equipment
   • Playlists
   • Local Venues
   • Twitter
   • Public Speaking
   • Event Planning

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage website, Spreaker, Podbean, iTunes, YouTube and other social media accounts.
   • Play music over the air (FM).
   • Used Instagram to market himself.
   • Still do weekly commentary (comedy).
   • Create promos and sweepers which air routinely.
   • Clear wire service reports for FM news director.

   More disc jockey duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your disc jockey job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A disc jockey salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a disc jockey in Kentucky may be lower than in Nevada, and an entry-level disc jockey usually earns less than a senior-level disc jockey. Additionally, a disc jockey with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average disc jockey salary

   $54,894yearly

   $26.39 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level disc jockey salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average disc jockey salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Connecticut	$71,775	$35
   2	California	$70,617	$34
   3	New York	$67,585	$32
   4	Maryland	$65,230	$31
   5	Utah	$58,700	$28
   6	Pennsylvania	$56,745	$27
   7	Illinois	$56,645	$27
   8	Texas	$56,503	$27
   9	Arizona	$56,452	$27
   10	Nebraska	$50,197	$24
   11	Ohio	$50,086	$24
   12	Virginia	$49,660	$24
   13	Missouri	$47,705	$23
   14	Kentucky	$44,937	$22
   15	North Carolina	$44,907	$22
   16	Florida	$42,696	$21

   Average disc jockey salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	University of Central Florida	$59,561	$28.64
   2	Marriott International	$51,766	$24.89
   3	iHeartMedia	$50,325	$24.19	7
   4	Chauvet	$47,813	$22.99
   5	State of Arizona	$46,157	$22.19
   6	Sam Ash Music Stores	$43,046	$20.70
   7	Luckie & Company	$42,798	$20.58

4. Writing a disc jockey job description

   A disc jockey job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a disc jockey job description:

   Disc jockey job description example

   You can make a difference!
   
   When deciding on the best gear for their needs, musicians of all playing levels and interests rely on the expertise and advice that a Sam Ash product specialist provides.
   
   Be part of a team of musicians whose focus is helping customers achieve their musical dreams. Sam Ash Music seeks super-friendly, sales oriented / career-minded people who enjoy playing music, learning about new gear and teaching others how to use that gear. Why not earn a living surrounded by the gear you dream about all day?
   
   As a sales associate, you'll be a vital contributor to our goal of providing the knowledge, guidance and very best service possible to ensure that our customers are treated to a great experience on every visit or phone call. If you love making music and helping others, we'd love to speak to you.
   
   Right now, we have positions available in the following sales departments:
   
   PRO AUDIO/DJ/LIGHTING SALES
   
   Knowledge in one or more of the following fields is a huge plus:
   
   Band and Orchestral, Keyboard, Drum and Guitar
   
   Sam Ash Music offers an excellent benefits package including a Health Plan, Dental Plan, and Vision Plan, paid time off, and a 401k plan for qualified employees.
   
   Salary Estimate - $20000 - $60000 / year
   
   About Sam Ash Music: Sam Ash Music is the nation's leading full-line music store chain. The family owned and operated business opened in 1924 with a small store in Brooklyn, N.Y., and now operates more than 45 stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.samashmusic.com.
   
   Sam Ash Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sam Ash Music does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, and business need.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find disc jockeys for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your disc jockey job on Zippia to find and attract quality disc jockey candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit disc jockeys, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new disc jockey

   Once you have selected a candidate for the disc jockey position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a disc jockey?