Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys earn $64,880 at the median — $31.19 an hour. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $203K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $59,589 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 53% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $65K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K.Top earners bring in $203K or more - a $168K spread from bottom to top.
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $74K | +62% | 2,000 |
| Maryland | $72K | +58% | 230 |
| New York | $72K | +57% | 2,050 |
| Indiana | $61K | +34% | 1,040 |
| Massachusetts | $58K | +28% | 330 |
| New Jersey | $58K | +27% | 290 |
| Nevada | $57K | +26% | 160 |
| Alaska | $51K | +11% | 50 |
| Rhode Island | $51K | +11% | 80 |
| Utah | $49K | +7% | 170 |
| Idaho | $47K | +4% | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $47K | +4% | 860 |
| Florida | $47K | +2% | 970 |
| Virginia | $46K | +1% | 440 |
| Hawaii | $46K | +0% | 160 |
Track broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $64,880 a year - that works out to about $31.19 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,360, and experienced broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys can clear $203,270. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,263/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 52.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys salary is worth about $59,589 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.