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On-air personality vs on-air host

The differences between on-air personalities and on-air hosts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an on-air personality and an on-air host. Additionally, an on-air host has an average salary of $45,873, which is higher than the $42,380 average annual salary of an on-air personality.

The top three skills for an on-air personality include facebook, FCC and twitter. The most important skills for an on-air host are adobe audition, phone calls, and FCC.

On-air personality vs on-air host overview

On-Air PersonalityOn-Air Host
Yearly salary$42,380$45,873
Hourly rate$20.38$22.05
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs1,50710,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age5050
Years of experience44

What does an on-air personality do?

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.

What does an on-air host do?

An on-air host is someone who ensures the comfort and safety of a plane's passengers. His/Her or her responsibilities include carrying out pre- and post-flight safety equipment checks and demonstrating safety procedures to passengers. The job requires a good computer, interpersonal, and research skills. The minimum education requirement to qualify for the job is a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certification, but holding a college degree in business, communication, or other related fields is an advantage.

On-air personality vs on-air host salary

On-air personalities and on-air hosts have different pay scales, as shown below.

On-Air PersonalityOn-Air Host
Average salary$42,380$45,873
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $76,000Between $24,000 And $84,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between on-air personality and on-air host education

There are a few differences between an on-air personality and an on-air host in terms of educational background:

On-Air PersonalityOn-Air Host
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationCommunication
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

On-air personality vs on-air host demographics

Here are the differences between on-air personalities' and on-air hosts' demographics:

On-Air PersonalityOn-Air Host
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 64.4% Female, 35.6%Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 4.3% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between on-air personality and on-air host duties and responsibilities

On-air personality example responsibilities.

  • Record daily news cast on state topics, prepare promos, program and automate playlists, archive local public affairs shows.
  • Interact with listeners at local promotional events and through the station's Facebook page.
  • Air liners, jingles, and sweepers.
  • Copy writing, production, and remotes.100.9 FM (KPNC )
  • Work nights on FM AC/News station, both live and voice-tracked.
  • Cover NBA, NFL, and NCAA topics in a professional studio.
  • Show more

On-air host example responsibilities.

  • Record daily news cast on state topics, prepare promos, program and automate playlists, archive local public affairs shows.
  • Conduct on-air interviews, screen and connect phone calls, and run audio board.
  • Create and run promotions prior to the show.
  • Host and producer of FYI, KLDE FM, weekly public affairs program.
  • Communicate and correspond with listeners online, via email, Snapchat and Instagram.
  • Follow FCC regulations, station and company policies, including implementing station's EAS procedures.
  • Show more

On-air personality vs on-air host skills

Common on-air personality skills
  • Facebook, 9%
  • FCC, 8%
  • Twitter, 8%
  • Live Events, 7%
  • Wide Orbit, 7%
  • Control Board, 6%
Common on-air host skills
  • Adobe Audition, 16%
  • Phone Calls, 8%
  • FCC, 7%
  • FM, 7%
  • Air Host, 6%
  • Twitter, 6%

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