There are currently an estimated 41,300 announcers in the United States. The announcer job market is expected to shrink by -11.6% between 2016 and 2026.

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 need 400 announcers. That number is based on the retirement of 5,200 existing 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, Texas, New York

Announcer job market by state

State Name Employed Announcers
California 2,880
Texas 2,240
New York 1,620
Florida 1,460
Illinois 1,230
Pennsylvania 1,210
Ohio 1,040
North Carolina 1,000
Missouri 920
Minnesota 820
Wisconsin 700
Georgia 680
Kentucky 660
Michigan 650
Virginia 640
Tennessee 610
Washington 560
Arizona 560
Kansas 520
Iowa 520
Indiana 520
Massachusetts 510
District of Columbia 410
Connecticut 410
Colorado 410
Nebraska 400
South Dakota 390
Arkansas 370
Maryland 340
Oklahoma 330
Oregon 320
Louisiana 300
Utah 290
Montana 260
Alabama 260
South Carolina 250
Nevada 240
New Mexico 240
Mississippi 220
Maine 200
West Virginia 190
North Dakota 180
New Jersey 160
Puerto Rico 150
Hawaii 150
Vermont 140
Alaska 120
New Hampshire 110
Wyoming 70
Rhode Island 70