Announcers, basically, talk on radio or television. They may interview guests, act as master of ceremonies, read news flashes, identify station by giving call letters, or announce song title and artist. Sample job titles include: news anchor, anchor, television news anchor (TV news anchor), announcer, meteorologist, host, program director, sports director, radio announcer, and news director.

Average Salary:

$29,940.

Average Hours (per week):

Generally, announcers work around the average amount of hours per week, which is 36 in the communications industry.  Many stations broadcast 24 hours a day, so announcers can expect to work unusual hours.  Many announcers work part time and many are self-employed working freelance.

Union:

Roughly 11 percent of all broadcasting employees are union members, primarily in larger markets covered by NABET, IBEW, IATSE, and AFTRA contracts.

Certifications:

No certification or licensing is required.

Training Period:

Announcers usually begin at a station in a small community and, if they are qualified, may move to a better paying job in a large city. They also may advance by hosting a regular program, as a disc jockey, sportscaster, or other specialist. Competition for employment by networks is particularly intense, and employees will need a college degree with at least several years of successful announcing experience if they wish to advance.

Strongest Market(s):

Announcers held about 67,400 jobs in 2008. About 51 percent were employed in radio and television broadcasting. Many other announcers are self-employed freelance announcers, who sell their services to networks and stations, advertising agencies, other independent producers, or to sponsors of local events.  Due to the limited number of broadcast licenses, smaller markets (North and South Dakota, Alaska, Montana and West Virginia) offer better entry level opportunities for announcer jobs versus larger markets.

Entry Level Salary:

Salaries in broadcasting vary widely, but generally are relatively low, except for announcers who work for large stations in major markets or for networks. The starting salary averages a very low $7.45 per hour to $12.95 predicated on location. Even though there is more competition, urban areas pay more per hour.

Top Salary: Earnings are higher in television than in radio and higher in commercial broadcasting than in public broadcasting. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.45, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $36.42.

Job Growth Forecast:

Job opportunities for radio and television announcers are projected to decline between 3 percent and 9 percent over the next decade.   Projected job openings over the decade are 15,500. Announcers held about 67,400 jobs in 2008, with 51 percent employed in radio and television broadcasting.

Related posts:

1. Public Address System and Other Announcers
2. Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture
3. Broadcast News Analysts
4. Film and Video Editors
5. Broadcast Technicians