Many Americans have been carrying around a secret dream – they want to be a DJ.
The music-focused occupation was the United States and Canada’s favorite “dream job,” according to a study of “how to be a [insert job]” Google searches from May 2025 to May 2026 by U.K.-based payment firm Remitly.
“In an era where AI is rewriting entire industries, the creator economy has gone from niche to normal and people are more open than ever to a fresh start in a new country, the question of ‘what do I want to do with my life?’ has rarely felt more open-ended,” the study said.
The study, which is the third one – 2022, 2024, 2026 – Remitly has completed, revealed the world’s most coveted jobs were actor, followed by pilot, firefighter, lawyer and YouTuber. Actor jumped eight spots in the ranking from its 2024 rank. Lawyer jumped 55 spots.
American consumers’ longing for turntables and microphones is a curious one, as pay can be paltry.
The average yearly pay for a DJ is $48,566, based on job site Indeed’s analysis of 49 salaries from job postings over the past three years.
The average salary among the nation’s full-time workers was $64,220 through the first three months of the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2026 first-quarter earnings analysis.
Globally, DJ ranked No. 10, just before judge and just after real estate agent. Only four countries besides the U.S. chose DJ, according to the study – Australia, Canada, Namibia and Wales. The role has jumped 14 spots since 2024, Remitly noted.
The study results come as some 46 percent of U.S. professionals say they plan to look for a new job in the next six months, a June survey of 2,000 workers from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half revealed.
Better benefits and perks, career advancement, and remote work options were the top three reasons triggering job searches, the survey found.
DJs typically tend to be 1099 workers and part of the gig economy, which means they most likely have to find their own source of health insurance and retirement savings, according to tax service BoomTax.
Membership in the American Disc Jockey Association can provide DJs with health insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan, the organization’s website notes.
Startup costs can be as little as $299 up to $1,099 for equipment, according to Colorado-based online store Mile High DJ.
The Independent contacted the American Disk Jockey Association for comment.
