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Announcer

Announcers read news, sports, weather, commercial and public service messages, and host live events and programs on radio or television.

Also Known As

Broadcaster, Disc Jockey, Emcee, Master of Ceremonies, Music Announcer, Newscaster, News Correspondent, Podcast Host, Radio Announcer, Talk Show Host, Sportscaster, Television Announcer

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 5231: Announcers and Other Broadcasters

2006 NOC-S

  • F131: Announcers and Other Broadcasters

2011 NOC

  • 5231: Announcers and other broadcasters

2016 NOC

  • 5231: Announcers and other broadcasters

2021 NOC

  • 52114: Announcers and other broadcasters

2023 OaSIS

  • 52114.00: Announcers and other broadcasters
Duties
Updated May 14, 2021

Depending on the station and the market it serves, announcers may specialize in a particular type of work or share tasks with other station personnel, such as:

  • Research and write their own material (completely or in part)
  • Prepare stories for later broadcast (especially sports and news reporters)
  • Develop longer feature stories for local audiences
  • Read commercials and public service messages

Announcers also may:

  • Operate control boards and other equipment for complex productions or programs
  • Run programming "on air" according to station schedules
  • Rewrite copy from wire services
  • Edit and read news, sports and weather reports at regular intervals
  • Post and edit text, audio or video blogs on the station's website or other social media websites

Announcers often are invited to make public appearances or serve as master of ceremonies (emcees) at special events. They also may broadcast live from commercial businesses or shopping malls, or be asked to judge contests. In addition, it's becoming more common for announcers to have a social media presence.

Between music selections, announcers who host music programs on commercial radio stations:

  • Comment on the music, local events and interest stories
  • Use humour, small talk and background information to fill air time
  • Offer giveaways and prizes to listeners
  • Follow a predetermined schedule for airing commercials
  • Answer calls from listeners and may also respond to listeners' texts and social media posts

At most radio stations, computer software programs are used to schedule music for radio programs. At some stations, announcers play special listener requests.

When music announcers are off air, they record commercials for later broadcast, preview new music, and prepare material for later shows. They also host local station and charity events, and participate in station promotions.

Talk show hosts and interviewers host radio and television shows that feature discussions with a variety of guests on topics of interest to the general public. Guests may be present in person or connect in by phone or video. Listeners may talk to guests live during the show and voice their own opinions about the topic. Most talk shows are recorded live at a radio or television station.

Talk show hosts and interviewers must research topics before going on air to talk about them.

Sportscasters are radio and television announcers who specialize in sports broadcasts. In general, they:

  • Attend press conferences to gather sports information
  • Cover live sporting events
  • Broadcast live play-by-play commentary
  • Interview players, coaches and owners for comments and reactions
  • Present summaries and highlights of recent sporting events
  • Announce and promote upcoming sporting and related events

Sportscasters prepare their stories on computer terminals, working from material gathered from wire services and adding their own information. Sometimes, they host sports programs that feature interviews with sports figures or review recent or upcoming sporting events.

At regular intervals during the day and evening, sportscasters provide sports reports. These reports may be taped or broadcast live.

News broadcasters (newscasters and reporters) gather, organize and report the news on radio or television, as well as online and over social media. In general they:

  • Present known facts of an issue or situation of interest to the public
  • Give reasonably equal, fair and unbiased coverage of varying points of view
  • Interview witnesses, authorities or key people directly related to the story
  • Provide updates to the public as stories continue to develop

News broadcasters who have a sufficient reputation or social media following may also be requested as speakers or emcees at events such as business and industry conferences, charity events, or convocations.

Podcasters prerecord sports, news or entertainment shows for listening at any time through computers or mobile devices. Listeners can subscribe to podcasts, so new episodes can be sent to their devices automatically.

Working Conditions
Updated May 14, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Announcers generally work shifts that include evenings, weekends and holidays and may include early mornings or late nights. Sports announcers often work irregular hours or split shifts because their schedules are determined by sporting events. The work can be stressful because live broadcasting allows little room for error.

Announcers may work in comfortable but sometimes crowded studios, or they may broadcast from on-location booths or even standing at a busy event.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Announcers and Other Broadcasters

2006 NOC: 5231

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in handling music, videos and other entertainment materials for broadcasts

SOCIAL

Interest in diverting audiences by acting as hosts/hostesses and masters of ceremonies, by introducing and interviewing guests and by conducting proceedings of shows and programs

INNOVATIVE

Interest in compiling information by maintaining contact with external sources or by observing traffic from air and land vehicles for the purpose of reporting on traffic conditions; and in using information provided from weather forecasting services for the purpose of reporting on weather conditions and in using digitized replay to do analysis of sporting events

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated May 14, 2021

Announcers need:

  • A pleasant sounding voice
  • Self-confidence
  • Friendliness and a positive attitude
  • Good voice projection and enunciation
  • A good command of the English language
  • The ability to accurately pronounce foreign names
  • Excellent writing and reading skills 
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to "ad lib" and provide interesting small talk
  • The ability to relate to an audience
  • A high level of interest and enthusiasm

They should enjoy working with music, videos and other news and entertainment materials for broadcast, to inform and entertain others, and to compile and present information.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Announcers and other broadcasters

2016 NOC: 5231

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 09, 2022 and Jul 07, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Work under pressure
Tasks: Act as host/hostess or master of ceremonies, introduce and interview guests and conduct proceedings of shows or programs
Tasks: Read news, sports and weather for radio and television
Tasks: Report on weather conditions using information provided by weather forecasting services
Tasks: Select and introduce music, videos and other entertainment material for broadcast, and make commercial and public service announcements
Experience: 1 to less than 7 months
Organized
Tasks: Report on traffic conditions by maintaining contact with external sources of information or by observing traffic from air or land vehicle
Tasks: Host functions such as weddings, anniversaries, community events, sport events, corporate functions et schools dances
Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence
Educational Requirements
Updated May 14, 2021
  • Minimum Education 1 year post-secondary

Announcers must be able to write clearly and concisely, and keep up to date on current events. Interviewers must be able to guide discussions in a direction that is interesting and informative. Computer skills are a definite asset, especially skills related to digital on-air and sound editing systems, and website management.

Most announcers have post-secondary education in related areas such as journalism, broadcasting or communications. Employers generally require news announcers to have a related diploma or degree.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated May 14, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated May 14, 2021

Announcers usually find work by marketing themselves through audition tapes and personal interviews. Aspiring announcers must be willing to start at small radio and television stations, often in rural communities or on post-secondary campuses. Some may start with independent podcasts on social media, then move to established stations after developing a following. Larger stations usually hire experienced announcers having a sufficient popularity that proves they can attract and hold the attention of a large number of viewers or followers. Some announcers may begin with larger stations as the local correspondent for a particular town or area, then move into larger roles. Being a good fit with the station’s culture and its watcher / listener demographic is also key.

At small radio or television stations, announcers may host music shows and read news, weather and sports reports as well. Sometimes, they are involved in writing commercial advertisements and selling air time.

Experienced announcers usually specialize in one area of presentation, such as music, news, sports or interviewing. Movement from station to station is common as announcers seek positions with larger audiences, or return to smaller stations in management positions. Announcers may also move back and forth between radio and television mediums during their career, or even do both at the same time. Announcers may become programming directors, station managers, news anchors or directors, or executives with broadcasting companies.

Some announcers freelance as emcees or disc jockeys for special functions, or record commercials on a contract basis.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Announcers and other broadcasters
2016 NOC: 5231

97.0% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Announcers and other broadcasters
2021 NOC: 52114
Lower
Demand
< 1500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Announcers and other broadcasters
2016 NOC: 5231
2.8%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
12
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated May 14, 2021

Salaries for announcers vary tremendously and are based on experience and responsibilities. However, a typical starting salary would likely range from $30,000 to $40,000. In a large market, an experienced announcer might earn from $60,000 to $100,000. Because of large audiences for morning shows, morning hosts in large markets are often paid at the higher end of that range.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Announcers and other broadcasters

2016 NOC: 5231
Average Wage
$29.29
Per Hour
Average Salary
$42,715.00
Per Year
Average Hours
25.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 5231 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $30.25 $18.35 $18.46
Overall $18.46 $42.55 $29.29 $22.50
Top $21.63 $72.12 $42.28 $30.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
40%
40%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Communications
Other Sources of Information
Updated May 14, 2021

Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca

Western Association of Broadcasters website: www.wab.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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