(Little Rock) - At last count, there were 76,000 people in the United States working as disc jockeys and announcers. But, The U.S. Department of Labor says the number of jobs for DJs is expected to decline through the year 2012.

This is due partly to the lack of growth in the number of stations plus now, more than ever, several stations may be operated from one central office or region which reduces the need for staff.

Many radio stations operate overnight without any staff opting to instead broadcast programming that may have already been pre-recorded, is fed by satellite or otherwise automated with or without the addition of voice-tracking, says Corey Deitz, a 25-year veteran radio broadcaster and author.

Voice-tracking is a controversial technology which allows DJs to pre-record complete radio shows while making them still sound live.

What are DJs earning these days? According to the U.S Department of Labor, the median wage earned is between $7.13 and $15.10 an hour, says Deitz. The lowest-paid 10 percent earn less than $6.14. The highest-paid 10 percent make more than $24.92 an hour. Of course, some air talents earn much more but they are the exception.

Deitz has worked on-air in cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, Richmond, Columbus, Virginia Beach and Little Rock. He is also the Radio Guide at About.com His book, The Cash Cage, provides an inside look at what the Radio business is really like.

For more information, visit:
http://www.thecashcage.com