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The differences between sound engineers and disc jockeys can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a sound engineer, becoming a disc jockey takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a disc jockey has an average salary of $54,894, which is higher than the $52,197 average annual salary of a sound engineer.
The top three skills for a sound engineer include audio equipment, venues and A/V. The most important skills for a disc jockey are R, audio equipment, and video equipment.
Sound engineers are audio engineering professionals who are responsible for performing audio mixes and reproduction while manipulating the equalization and electronic effects of sound. These engineers must design and control the sound at different locations such as theaters, conferences, and any other venue that requires sound projection. By using their well-trained ears, sound engineers must control the combination of microphones, sound levels, and sound outputs. Sound engineers must also maintain and sound up sound equipment such as amplifiers, complex PA systems, and speakers for bands and other sound engineers.
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.
Sound engineers and disc jockeys have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sound Engineer | Disc Jockey | |
| Average salary | $52,197 | $54,894 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $95,000 | Between $29,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | Waterbury, CT |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Techtronic Industries TTI | University of Central Florida |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between a sound engineer and a disc jockey in terms of educational background:
| Sound Engineer | Disc Jockey | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Music | Communication |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | - |
Here are the differences between sound engineers' and disc jockeys' demographics:
| Sound Engineer | Disc Jockey | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 Percentage | 8% | 16% |