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Radio show host vs on-air host

The differences between radio show hosts 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 a radio show host and an on-air host. Additionally, a radio show host has an average salary of $47,839, which is higher than the $45,873 average annual salary of an on-air host.

The top three skills for a radio show host include show topics, radio station and audio equipment. The most important skills for an on-air host are adobe audition, phone calls, and FCC.

Radio show host vs on-air host overview

Radio Show HostOn-Air Host
Yearly salary$47,839$45,873
Hourly rate$23.00$22.05
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs12,26510,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age5050
Years of experience44

Radio show host vs on-air host salary

Radio show hosts and on-air hosts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Radio Show HostOn-Air Host
Average salary$47,839$45,873
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $91,000Between $24,000 And $84,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between radio show host and on-air host education

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

Radio Show HostOn-Air Host
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationCommunication
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Radio show host vs on-air host demographics

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

Radio Show HostOn-Air Host
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 64.5% Female, 35.5%Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 4.3% White, 73.8% 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 radio show host and on-air host duties and responsibilities

Radio show host example responsibilities.

  • Founded, host and manage one of the main radio programmes for Kairi Fm, a leading radio station in Dominica.
  • Work as a DJ, preform talk sets, and create trending topics for show content
  • Provide show content through creating compelling and inspiring playlists featuring culturally relevant music.
  • Have served as local music director and a substitute DJ.
  • Provide transmitter readings, keep log books, conduct EBS tests as required by FCC rules and regulations.
  • Play music developing independent playlists and following station format reporting on news, weather, traffic and social media trends
  • 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

Radio show host vs on-air host skills

Common radio show host skills
  • Show Topics, 9%
  • Radio Station, 9%
  • Audio Equipment, 7%
  • Facebook, 7%
  • FM, 6%
  • Twitter, 5%
Common on-air host skills
  • Adobe Audition, 16%
  • Phone Calls, 8%
  • FCC, 7%
  • FM, 7%
  • Air Host, 6%
  • Twitter, 6%

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