Career Explorer Arts, media and sport
Grows with AI
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).
Changing faster than most: more resilient than 33% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +3.8% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on creative vision and physical dexterity.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- Not published
- Job growth to 2035
- +3.8%
- Openings a year
- 1,700
- People doing it (2025)
- 16,900
- Usual route in
- High school diploma, then short on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Select materials or equipment for operations or projects
- Conduct amusement or gaming activities
- Respond to customer problems or inquiries
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Operate audiovisual or related equipment
- Alter audio or video recordings
- Estimate project development or operational costs
What the work looks like
- Operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones.
- Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.
- Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.
- Collect payments from customers.
- Develop written contracts for bookings.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Merchandise displayers and window trimmersHuman edge, steady, Index 72, +2.7%
- Costume attendantsHuman edge, growing, Index 90, +5.9%
- Musicians and singersHuman edge, steady, Index 55, +0.3%
- Floral designersHuman edge, steady, Index 48, -5.6%
Also known as: DJ (Disk Jockey), MC (Master of Ceremonies), Mobile Disc Jockey (Mobile DJ), Wedding Disc Jockey (Wedding DJ).
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.