Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

Disc jockeys (DJs) are performers who present and play music to a particular audience. They work in one of a number of areas including pubs, clubs, events and local or national radio stations.  
 
Many DJs own their own equipment, this includes CDs or records and, in the case of mobile DJs, a whole sound system containing items such as an amplifier, speakers, lights and CD players. Before a gig, mobile DJs need to unload and set up equipment. They must dismantle it at the end of the gig.  
 
Some DJs mix music between one track and the next to create new sounds. Others talk between tracks, using a microphone. They often take music requests from the audience.  
 
DJs working in radio (often known as 'presenters') introduce and play music and create a programme around the music, which involves duties such as interviewing guests, hosting 'phone-ins', presenting quis shows and talking to listeners between tracks. They may also introduce news bulletins, give out travel news and weather information and, on commercial radio stations, broadcast advertisements.  
 
Radio DJs follow a 'running order' that gives the times and sequence for items. Most DJs help to decide the running order with the producer. They also help to choose music and contribute ideas for features.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Operate control consoles.
• Record commercials for later broadcast.
• Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
• Study background information to prepare for programmes or interviews.
• Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
• Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorised or read scripts.
• Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
• Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
• Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.
• Develop story lines for broadcasts.

Further Information

• DJ- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Many Disc Jockey (DJs) are self-thought and self-built, acquiring their skills and experience through practice and building a profile by producing their own music for distribution online and by playing small gigs at parties, events, pubs, or open mic events. 

Full-time and part-time employment options in music production & DJing are available throughout Ireland. Some DJs choose to work in company freelance, or prefer to work for themselves as aside to other career interests.

Key Skill Certs & Knowledge 

RSA approved Driving license: Due to the detached nature of the work, driving license.

Manual Handling Due to heavy equipment, Health & Safety may be required.

Knowledge of Music copyright via (IMRO) & IRMA

Knowledge of Tax & Self employment

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: music technology, music performance, sound engineering, digital media marketing, start your own business.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: music technology, music performance, sound engineering, digital media marketing, start your own business.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: music, sound engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Enterprise Development 

Local Enterprise Offices 

Partnership Enterprise Offices  

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €60k

Salaries vary greatly, but for the vast majority will take the form of occasional income from concerts and will be combined with regular income from a full time jobs. 

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
DEASP/ Salary Expert / Payscale /

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Sports and leisure assistants; travel agents; air and rail travel assistants; holiday representatives, tour guides; Leisure and theme park attendants; Travel agency managers; proprietors Leisure and travel service occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although employment levels grew between 2021 and 2022 for this occupation, numbers employed remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. The numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation are too small in the Labour Force Survey for further analysis but the CSO Census data shows that approximately half of those in this occupation worked as air travel assistants or travel agents, with 2022 levels for these roles well below their 2016 levels.

Approximately a third of persons employed in this occupation work part-time, higher than the national average. The extent to which employment in these occupations will recover to their prepandemic levels is uncertain as affordability and attractiveness for air travel services in particular remains vulnerable to increased energy costs, and consumer demand and preferences given the green agenda and cost of living pressures.

• IMRO Irish Music Rights Organization

  • Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 HW59
  • 01 661 4844
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Contemporary Music Centre Ireland

  • 19 Fishamble St, Temple Bar Dublin 8
  • (01) 673 1922
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE)

  • Donnybrook, Dublin 4
  • (01) 208 3111
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• IRMA Irish Recorded Music Association

  • 1 Corrig Ave, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 C1H7
  • (01) 280 6571
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here