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Music producer vs disc jockey

The differences between music producers and disc jockeys can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a music producer, becoming a disc jockey takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a music producer has an average salary of $56,752, which is higher than the $54,894 average annual salary of a disc jockey.

The top three skills for a music producer include R, audio engineering and music production. The most important skills for a disc jockey are R, audio equipment, and video equipment.

Music producer vs disc jockey overview

Music ProducerDisc Jockey
Yearly salary$56,752$54,894
Hourly rate$27.28$26.39
Growth rate8%-5%
Number of jobs13,9501,991
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4041
Years of experience124

Music producer vs disc jockey salary

Music producers and disc jockeys have different pay scales, as shown below.

Music ProducerDisc Jockey
Average salary$56,752$54,894
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $81,000Between $29,000 And $102,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYWaterbury, CT
Highest paying stateNew YorkNevada
Best paying companyAmazonUniversity of Central Florida
Best paying industryStart-upEducation

Differences between music producer and disc jockey education

There are a few differences between a music producer and a disc jockey in terms of educational background:

Music ProducerDisc Jockey
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorMusicCommunication
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of Technology-

Music producer vs disc jockey demographics

Here are the differences between music producers' and disc jockeys' demographics:

Music ProducerDisc Jockey
Average age4041
Gender ratioMale, 91.1% Female, 8.9%Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%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 Percentage14%16%

Differences between music producer and disc jockey duties and responsibilities

Music producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage custom-built media duplication arrays, printers and packaging systems (VHS, CD, DVD).
  • Manage the QA process including test/debug cycles and platform compliance/compatibility testing.
  • Produce award winning Samsung short as part of a highly successful integrate campaign.
  • Post audio for multimedia productions including mixing, ADR, Foley and scoring.
  • Design and produce high-level PowerPoint presentations for large-scale corporate events and key stand-alone projects.
  • Operate production board for high school basketball and baseball games without managerial supervision.

Disc jockey example 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.
  • Show more

Music producer vs disc jockey skills

Common music producer skills
  • R, 18%
  • Audio Engineering, 14%
  • Music Production, 9%
  • Pro Tools, 8%
  • Mac, 5%
  • Music Videos, 4%
Common disc jockey skills
  • R, 10%
  • Audio Equipment, 10%
  • Video Equipment, 6%
  • Corporate Events, 5%
  • Private Parties, 5%
  • Radio Station, 5%

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