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Talk show host vs on-air host

The differences between talk 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 talk show host and an on-air host. Additionally, a talk show host has an average salary of $49,582, which is higher than the $45,873 average annual salary of an on-air host.

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

Talk show host vs on-air host overview

Talk Show HostOn-Air Host
Yearly salary$49,582$45,873
Hourly rate$23.84$22.05
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs10,04810,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age5050
Years of experience44

What does a talk show host do?

Talk show hosts deliver their services on the radio or television. They run a 'talk show' by inviting visitors to entertain the audience by discussing various topics with the talk show host. In general, these professionals run the radio show or television, talk to the audience, talk to the guests, and provide entertainment to all individuals. However, to be a talk show host, you must possess a well-groomed and good look and easily catch the audience's attention. Mostly, the salaries earned by talk show hosts vary from one to another.

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.

Talk show host vs on-air host salary

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

Talk Show HostOn-Air Host
Average salary$49,582$45,873
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $100,000Between $24,000 And $84,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between talk show host and on-air host education

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

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

Talk show host vs on-air host demographics

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

Talk Show HostOn-Air Host
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 68.3% Female, 31.7%Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 4.0% White, 76.0% 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 talk show host and on-air host duties and responsibilities

Talk show host example responsibilities.

  • Feature as DJ of the month every year for KSDB.
  • Host a weekly radio show and curate weekly song playlists.
  • Help in maintaining social media outlets for the station like Facebook.
  • Produce and appear in daily videos on line and on facebook.
  • Brainstorm and plan promotions for concert ticket giveaways and pre-concert parties in parking lots of venues
  • Provide a play-by-play narrative of games with analysis, statistics, stories, rules and sports history.
  • 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

Talk show host vs on-air host skills

Common talk show host skills
  • Radio Station, 11%
  • Hot Topics, 11%
  • FCC, 9%
  • FM, 6%
  • Adobe Audition, 6%
  • On-Air Content, 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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