Public address system announcers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Public address system announcers entertain audiences to enhance performances or they provide information. They may prepare their own scripts or improvise lines in their speeches.
The specific duties of public address system announcers will vary greatly depending on where these announcers work. For example, an announcer for a sports team may have to present starting lineups (official lists of players who will participate in an event), read advertisements, and announce players as they enter and exit a game.
Train announcers are responsible for reading prepared scripts containing details and data related to train schedules and safety procedures. Their job is to provide information rather than entertainment.
The following are examples of types of public address system and other announcers:
- Party DJs are hired to provide music and commentary at an event, such as a wedding, a birthday party, or a corporate party. Many of these DJs use digital files or portable media devices.
- Emcees host planned events. They introduce speakers or performers to the audience. They may tell jokes or provide commentary to transition from one speaker to the next.
- Education Required
- Public address announcers typically need a high school diploma. Radio and television announcers typically need a bachelors degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism, but some jobs only require a high school diploma.
- Training Required
- Public address system and other announcers typically need short-term on-the-job training upon being hired. This training allows these announcers to become familiar with the equipment they will be using during sporting and entertainment events. For sports public address announcers, training also may include basic rules and information for the sports they are covering.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: -8% (Decline)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Because radio and television stations in smaller markets have smaller staff, advancement within the same small-market station is unlikely. Rather, many radio and television announcers advance by relocating to a large-market station.
- Median pay: How much do Announcers make?
- $30,830 Annual Salary
- $14.82 per hour
Careers for Announcers
- Commercial announcers
- Emcees
- Game show hosts
- Master of ceremonies
- Public address announcers
- Radio and television announcers
- Radio artists
- Radio disk jockeys
- Radio hosts
- Ringmasters
- Talk show hosts
- Television hosts
- Train announcers
- Train callers