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Producer vs disc jockey

The differences between 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 producer, becoming a disc jockey takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a producer has an average salary of $72,202, which is higher than the $54,894 average annual salary of a disc jockey.

The top three skills for a producer include work ethic, video production and client relationships. The most important skills for a disc jockey are R, audio equipment, and video equipment.

Producer vs disc jockey overview

ProducerDisc Jockey
Yearly salary$72,202$54,894
Hourly rate$34.71$26.39
Growth rate8%-5%
Number of jobs10,6101,991
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4041
Years of experience124

What does a producer do?

A producer is an individual who is responsible for providing infrastructure, resources, and logistics in making a movie, television show, or stage production. Producers hire production staff such as director, crew, and sometimes actors to coordinate their activities throughout the production process. They support the creative team by conducting meetings to discuss the production's progress and ensure adherence to deadlines. Producers also travel often either to film on location for a movie or to tour with a theatre production.

What does a disc jockey do?

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.

Producer vs disc jockey salary

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

ProducerDisc Jockey
Average salary$72,202$54,894
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $120,000Between $29,000 And $102,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWaterbury, CT
Highest paying stateNevadaNevada
Best paying companyMetaUniversity of Central Florida
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between producer and disc jockey education

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

ProducerDisc Jockey
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorCommunicationCommunication
Most common collegeHarvard University-

Producer vs disc jockey demographics

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

ProducerDisc Jockey
Average age4041
Gender ratioMale, 58.2% Female, 41.8%Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.7% 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 producer and disc jockey duties and responsibilities

Producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and augment existing budget with EP.
  • Manage production of a Sony HD motion graphics internal sales video.
  • Manage all union matters including, IASTE, DGA and AFTRA.
  • Prospect and generate new business through telemarketing leads, referrals, networking and cold leads.
  • Lead the creation of key titles including high profile X360 launch title and new NFL brand IP.
  • Manage and guide guest bloggers through the editing process, copy edit blogs and produce content in HTML.
  • Show more

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

Producer vs disc jockey skills

Common producer skills
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Video Production, 6%
  • Client Relationships, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Cross-Selling, 6%
  • News Stories, 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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