Announcers present music, news, and sports and may provide commentary or interview guests about these or other important topics. Some act as masters of ceremonies (emcees) or disc jockeys (DJs) at weddings, parties, or clubs.

Many announcers work in radio and television studios. Some announcers are self-employed; others work part time.

Educational requirements for announcers vary. Radio and television announcers typically need a bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications, along with an internship or work experience from their college radio or television station. Public address system announcers typically need a high school diploma, along with short-term on-the-job training.

Employment of announcers is projected to decline 11 percent from 2014 to 2024. Experienced, formally trained announcers should have the best job prospects.

This occupation supported 52,000 jobs in 2012 and 52,500 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 1.0%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 1.3% in 2022 to 52,700 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 52,100, compared with an observed value of 52,500, 0.8% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to decrease by 11.0% in 2024 to 46,800 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 52,800 jobs for 2024, 12.8% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are much worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation.