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).
$59,400 a year (for the broader BLS group this job sits in).
of the working time. Estimate.
- 23%
- 0%
- 77%
Anthropic's data does not cover this job.
On the chosen pace and reliability. Estimate.
Share of the working time within reach, now to 2030
What each choice means: , , , , . Every pace starts from .
At this date and pace, models finish tasks up to 4.4 h long four times in five.
How far this has come
With GPT-4, measured in March 2023, 0% of this job's working time was within reach at . With Claude 3.7 Sonnet, measured in February 2025, 0%. With Claude Mythos Preview (early), measured in April 2026, 15%. Today's estimate: 18%.
A backcast: today's task data with the best model METR had measured by each date. It shows how fast the models have moved, not what anyone forecast at the time.
The tasks
Sorted by . 19 tasks from .
| Task | Kind | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 21% | 2.5 h50 min to 5 h | Stays with people | |
| Select and play music incorporating crowd preferences and mood.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 21% | 2.5 h50 min to 5 h | Stays with people | |
| Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 14% | 1.7 h25 min to 4.2 h | Stays with people | |
| Create tailored playlists by aligning music with event functions.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 12% | 1.7 h25 min to 3.3 h | 65%Half by now | |
| Mix, cut, or sample recorded music using DJ controllers, CDJs, or DJ mixers.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 10% | 1.7 h38 min to 3.3 h | Stays with people | |
| Operate visual effects equipment, such as lights, fog machines, or lasers.Done more than monthly by most who do it. | 4% | 1.7 h25 min to 3.3 h | Stays with people | |
| Maintain up-to-date knowledge of music releases and trends.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 3% | 50 min17 min to 2.5 h | 87%Half by now | |
| Conduct sound checks to ensure equipment is working and appropriate for the venue.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 2% | 38 min17 min to 1.3 h | Stays with people | |
| Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 2% | 38 min13 min to 1.7 h | 95%Half by now | |
| Assemble audio and video equipment.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 2% | 50 min25 min to 1.7 h | Stays with people | |
| Listen to music before playing at events to ensure recordings are appropriate and meet quality standards.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 2% | 25 min13 min to 50 min | 100%Half by now | |
| Advertise services using media such as internet advertising and brochures.Done more than monthly by most who do it. | 2% | 1.3 h25 min to 3.3 h | 77%Half by now |
Within reach, per task: the share of the task's time whose instances are short enough for a model to finish at the chosen date, pace and reliability. Half by: the date half of that time comes within reach.
Jobs that share skills with this one
From O*NET's related occupations. Within reach now and by the end of 2028, long-run pace, four in five.
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys52% now, 79% by 2028
- Sound Engineering Technicians10% now, 39% by 2028
- Music Directors and Composers13% now, 72% by 2028
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes54% now, 69% by 2028
- Audio and Video Technicians25% now, 54% by 2028
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners15% now, 49% by 2028
Where this job works
The industry groups that employ the most of it (BLS, May 2025). Counts are for the broader BLS group this job sits in.
Where the most of these jobs are
The metro areas with the most people in it (BLS, May 2025). Counts are for the broader BLS group this job sits in.