Maybe you're an upbeat individual with great speaking skills and a delightful personality. If so, then a job as TV host may be right for you. Salary rate depends on your popularity and what you specialize in, such as talk show host, radio announcer, or sports spectator. A college degree and hands-on experience are important for getting work, as well as some technical skills.
Essential Information
TV hosts present content on a televised program, announcing events, interviewing guests, and entertaining viewers. Along with maintaining a pleasant speaking manner and physical appearance, hosts may write their own content. This demanding field offers the best opportunities to those with a relevant 4-year degree, experience, and technical skills.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 1% decline (for all radio and television announcers) |
| Mean Salary (May 2019)* | $53,580 annually (for radio and television announcers) |
Source: *United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
TV Host Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radio and television announcers, including TV hosts, earned a mean annual wage of $53,580 in May 2019 (www.bls.gov). Announcers working specifically in the radio and television broadcasting industry earned a mean salary of $51,040 a year. Announcers working in spectators sports earned an average of $109,110 a year.
TV Host Career Information
TV hosts typically concentrate on one type of show, such as talk, sports, finance, or business. While content may be provided by script writers, some hosts may be responsible for conducting research as well as writing content and interview questions. Since many stations operate in the early morning, late night, or 24-hours a day, TV hosts may work long and unusual hours. Some shows are taped during normal working hours, but others may be aired live or in front of an audience. Hosts may also be required to attend fundraisers, community events, and other functions to promote the station.
Most hosts are employed by television networks and stations, but others are self-employed and freelance to stations as needed. Candidates with a college degree and in-studio, on-air experience as well as computer skills may have the most employment opportunities. According to the BLS, many hosts began their careers by working as production or research assistants in small markets before moving into on-camera roles.
A formal education program in broadcast journalism can also help prepare prospective TV hosts. Those with a history of high ratings and knowledge in specialized topics, such as consumer affairs, business, or health, may also enjoy higher advancement opportunities.
TV host jobs can be quite taxing, and they are generally seeing a decline due to online broadcasts. However, there still are job opportunities available, but the competition for these jobs is becoming increasingly intense. Thus it is best to have plenty of experience, technical skills, and personality, as well as a bachelor's degree.
