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Competition for announcer jobs will continue to be keen. Jobs at small stations usually have low pay, but offer the best opportunities for beginners. Related work experience at a campus radio station or as an intern at a commercial station can be helpful in breaking into the occupation.
The success of announcers depends upon how well they communicate. Others who must be skilled at oral communication include news analysts, reporters, and correspondents; interpreters and translators; salespersons and those in related occupations; and public-relations specialists. Many announcers also must entertain their audience, so their work is similar to other entertainment-related occupations, such as actors, producers, and directors; and musicians, singers, and related workers. Announcers perform a variety of duties, including some technical operations, like broadcast sound engineering technicians and radio operators.
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Announcers usually work in well-lighted, air-conditioned, soundproof studios. The broadcast day is long for radio and TV stations—many are on the air 24 hours a day—so announcers can expect to work unusual hours. Many present early-morning shows, when most people are getting ready for work or commuting, while others do late-night programs.
Announcers often work within tight schedule constraints, which can be physically and mentally stressful. For many announcers, the intangible rewards—creative work, many personal contacts, and the satisfaction of becoming widely known—far outweigh the disadvantages of irregular and often unpredictable hours, work pressures, and disrupted personal lives.
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Announcers held about 76,000 jobs in 2002. More than half were employed in broadcasting, but some were self-employed freelance announcers who sold their services for individual assignments to networks and stations or to advertising agencies and other independent producers. About a third of all announcers work part time.
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Salaries in broadcasting vary widely, but generally are relatively low, except for announcers who work for large stations in major markets or for networks. Earnings are higher in television than in radio and higher in commercial than in public broadcasting.
Median hourly earnings of announcers in 2002 were $9.91. The middle 50 percent earned between $7.13 and $15.10. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $6.14, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $24.92. Median hourly earnings of announcers in 2002 were $9.86 in the radio and television broadcasting industry.
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