There are currently an estimated 24,100 announcers in the United States. The announcer job market is expected to shrink by 5.5% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are announcers?

CareerExplorer rates announcers with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will lose -1,300 announcers.

Are announcers in demand?

Strong competition is expected for jobs as a radio or television announcer. Many of the available openings will be created by the need to replace retiring workers or those who move out of smaller markets. Some additional opportunities may arise from the expanding segment of internet stations, which have lower start-up costs than traditional broadcasting ventures. Short-term contracts may be available for freelance announcers who sell their services to networks, advertising agencies, independent producers, and sponsors of local events. Station mergers and consolidations, along with technological advances, increased syndication, and the expansion of satellite stations, have decreased overall demand and resulted in entry-level candidates sometimes competing for jobs with experienced on-air announcers. Aspiring announcers, therefore, will need to be more persistent and more patient than ever before. They will invariably need to have impressive credentials to be considered for the best jobs. The most sought after qualifications include a journalism, broadcasting, or communications degree; multimedia skills and knowledge of business and consumer issues; as well as an engaging on-air personality.

What’s the supply of announcers?

The announcer industry is concentrated in California, New York, Indiana

Announcer job market by state

State Name Employed Announcers
California 1,620
New York 1,460
Indiana 1,040
Florida 990
Tennessee 970
Texas 960
Ohio 910
Pennsylvania 830
North Carolina 830
Illinois 770
Minnesota 750
Michigan 650
Washington 620
Wisconsin 580
Georgia 490
Missouri 470
Virginia 460
Kansas 440
Arizona 410
Kentucky 340
Iowa 320
Colorado 310
Oklahoma 300
Alabama 300
Arkansas 300
Maryland 290
Connecticut 290
Nebraska 280
Massachusetts 280
Oregon 240
South Dakota 230
Utah 190
New Jersey 190
New Mexico 190
Louisiana 190
North Dakota 180
Maine 170
Mississippi 160
Nevada 160
South Carolina 150
Hawaii 140
West Virginia 130
Montana 130
Vermont 110
Rhode Island 90
Alaska 80
District of Columbia 70
New Hampshire 70
Idaho 50
Wyoming 50