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Occupation AtlasDisc Jockeys, Except Radio

O*NET · 27-2091.00

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Also called Announcer · Club DJ · Club DJ (Club Disc Jockey) · DJ · DJ (Disc Jockey) · DJ (Disk Jockey) · DJ Assistant · DJ Assistant (Disc Jockey Assistant)
15 more

Emcee · Event DJ · Event DJ (Event Disc Jockey) · Event Entertainer · Event MC · Event MC (Event Master of Ceremonies) · Host DJ · Host DJ (Host Disc Jockey) · Karaoke Host · MC · MC (Master of Ceremonies) · Mobile Disc Jockey (Mobile DJ) · Mobile DJ · Wedding Disc Jockey (Wedding DJ) · Wedding DJ

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code AEC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Transportation Security Screeners

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

AECArtistic · Enterprising · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic4.82
  • E Enterprising3.55
  • C Conventional3.50
  • R Realistic3.00
  • S Social2.93
  • I Investigative1.55

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma36%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent52%
  • Some College Courses4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree4%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (44%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (32%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Social Perceptiveness3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Speakingbasic3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Service Orientation3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Active Listeningbasic3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Time Management3.32.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Coordination3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Writingbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Persuasion2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Operation and Control2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
Show the other 23
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Operations Monitoring2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Negotiation2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material Resources2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Complex Problem Solving2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Management of Financial Resources2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Analysis2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Instructing2.02.4Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Troubleshooting2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Mathematicsbasic1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Equipment Selection1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Repairing1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment Maintenance1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Programming1.60.9
  • Operations Analysis1.50.6
  • Technology Design1.50.6
  • Installation1.1—
  • Sciencebasic1.0—

Tasks

19 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones.5.0
  2. Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.4.9
  3. Collect payments from customers.4.9
  4. Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.4.9
  5. Develop written contracts for bookings.4.9
  6. Assemble audio and video equipment.4.8
  7. Select and play music incorporating crowd preferences and mood.4.8
  8. Conduct sound checks to ensure equipment is working and appropriate for the venue.4.7
  9. Create tailored playlists by aligning music with event functions.4.7
  10. Listen to music before playing at events to ensure recordings are appropriate and meet quality standards.4.7
  11. Organize music libraries or playlists.4.5
  12. Create itemized invoices to record amounts due for services rendered.4.4
Show the other 7
  1. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of music releases and trends.4.4
  2. Mix, cut, or sample recorded music using DJ controllers, CDJs, or DJ mixers.4.1
  3. Encourage guests to dance using group dances, competitions, or other party games.4.0
  4. Accept music requests from event guests.3.8
  5. Advertise services using media such as internet advertising and brochures.3.8
  6. Operate visual effects equipment, such as lights, fog machines, or lasers.3.4
  7. Lead party games, such as dance-offs or prize giveaways.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.85.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and Electronics4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language4.34.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Communications and Media3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Sales and Marketing3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Administration and Management3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Education and Training3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administrative2.73.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Show all 33
  • Economics and Accounting2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Transportation2.62.6
  • Fine Arts2.52.7
  • Engineering and Technology2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Psychology2.42.9
  • Telecommunications2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Production and Processing2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Mathematics2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Public Safety and Security2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Mechanical2.02.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Design1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Foreign Language1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Geography1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Law and Government1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Philosophy and Theology1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Physics1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Chemistry1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension3.93.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Diagnose what's wrong with a car engine from its sound
  • Speech Clarity3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Category Flexibility3.43.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information Ordering3.42.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Auditory Attention3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Problem Sensitivity3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
Show all 52
  • Speech Recognition3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Manual Dexterity3.12.6
  • Near Vision3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Originality3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Selective Attention3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Written Comprehension3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.02.9
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Fluency of Ideas2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Time Sharing2.92.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Control Precision2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Far Vision2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Perceptual Speed2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure2.62.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Sound Localization2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Trunk Strength2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Flexibility of Closure2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Memorization2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Multilimb Coordination2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.32.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visualization2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Response Orientation2.11.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Depth Perception2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Reaction Time2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Stamina2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Glare Sensitivity1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Mathematical Reasoning1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Peripheral Vision1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate Control1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Spatial Orientation1.80.8
  • Visual Color Discrimination1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Dynamic Strength1.60.6
  • Explosive Strength1.60.6
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.60.6
  • Night Vision1.60.9
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.74.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.65.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Working with Computers4.64.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Thinking Creatively4.44.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Scheduling Work and Activities4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Processing Information3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.42.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.82.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.82.8
  • Training and Teaching Others2.82.7
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.72.7
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.72.8
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Developing and Building Teams2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • E-Mail4.5
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Level of Competition4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Spend Time Standing4.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.0
  • Public Speaking3.9
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls3.9

Technology

6 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (2; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (3)
  • Adobe Audition
  • Audion Laboratories VoxPro
  • Avid Technology Pro Tools

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
  2. Sound Engineering Technicians
  3. Music Directors and Composers
  4. Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
  5. Audio and Video Technicians
  6. Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
  7. Musicians and Singers
  8. Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
  9. Producers and Directors
  10. Broadcast Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.