DJ | Average UK Salary & Outlook

DJs play music for audiences in live venues, at events or on the radio.

  • Operate control consoles.  
  • Record commercials for later broadcast.  
  • Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.  
  • Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.  
  • Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.  
  • Identify stations, and
Read more about DJ

DJs typically work around 45 to 47 hours per week.

As a DJ you will typically work freelance / self-employed.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading
  • Read more about DJ
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    37,585 GBP *
    per year
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
    Average salary for DJ

    Big gender gap
    • 41,279 GBP
    • 31,048 GBP
    Average salary for part-time DJ
    Average salary for full-time DJ

    Showing:
    • 13,081 GBP
    • 11,320 GBP
    • 37,585 GBP
    • 31,048 GBP
    • 41,279 GBP
    Salary over time for DJ

    Salary for this role has increased over time
    • 35,611 GBP
    • 33,492 GBP
    • 33,900 GBP
    • 34,433 GBP
    • 37,224 GBP
    • 36,978 GBP
    • 37,585 GBP
    • 40,162 GBP
    • 39,673 GBP
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    Future outlook for DJs

    pointer
    Balanced outlook
    71 000+ jobs available
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    Balanced outlook
    1% yearly wage growth (on average)

    DJ - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a DJ and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 55% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
    • 10% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree
    • 10% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

    You could start by doing a college course. This will give you some of the skills needed to work with sampling equipment, mixers, digital controllers and decks. Courses include:

    •  Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology
    • Level 2 Certificate in Radio
    • Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Digital Media

    Colleges and community education centres also often run short workshops in DJ-ing and recording skills.


    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a DJ

    Sound Engineering

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a DJ.
    Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do

    What technical skills do I need?

    Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful DJ. Check that you know:
    1
    Data base user interface and query software Database software; Program logging software
    2
    Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    3
    Music or sound editing software Adobe Systems Adobe Audition; Audion Laboratories VoxPro; Avid Technology Pro Tools
    4
    Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
    5
    Word processing software Burli Software Burli Newsroom System; Microsoft Word
    Improve your skills today

    Sound Engineering

    Things to highlight for your DJ interview

    Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

    Not sure if you are in the right job?

    Take our career change quiz