Broadcasters Salaries

Question
I want to be a professional wrestling broadcaster in the WWE. I was just wondering how much money can be made in that? I'm sure the amount is even more if the person is in sales. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Dylan,

It would definitely be more if you were also in sales. The salary of Jim Ross is publicly available due to his status as Executive Vice President, Business Strategies. As of 31st December 2009, he receives compensation of $619,365 with additional forms of payment to the sum of $163,594, for a total of $782,959 (all these figures in USD).

That gives you some idea what you could make if you were to be a broadcaster in the WWE and hold a relatively senior position as a company executive. If you were to get far enough in a sales position, you would get a similar figure. Keep in mind though, that if some of Ross' income comes through stock options, then it is unlikely you would be able to make quite as much as he, as a long-time employee who has held various executive positions.

As for what your pay might be just as a broadcaster, it would be considerably less, since you wouldn't be a company executive and all company executives get quite a bit of money for that. If you work in sales and get a  position, but not as high as an Executive Vice Presidency, I would estimate getting somewhere between the 300-500k range, dependent on exact position.

I would estimate annual salary of about 200-300k if you are just a broadcaster, but this estimate might be totally wrong, or just apply only to broadcasters who have worked with the WWE for many years. It is based off information that just may not apply to someone starting out.

In case you do not know, there is currently an open position for a WWE Broadcaster# You can find the job here: http://www#wwe-careers#com/wwe/jobboard/JobDetails#aspx?__ID=*3854B5EA7FAABED7

If the link doesn't work, go to the WWE Corporate website and go to Careers. To save you some time on what it says, I'll summarise below and add some additional info about what WWE look for in a broadcaster.

In any case, whether you choose to go for the position now or in the future, WWE requires you to have a strong knowledge of WWE programs, talent and storylines. I do not know if that was always there and WWE ignored that for Adamle, for if it was changed after him. Also, you must have 1 to 3 years experience in play-by-play commentating. This can be in any sport, but preferably in pro wrestling. You might get such a position by getting in touch with a local pro wrestling promotion. In addition, radio work of any kind would also be of assistance.

WWE obviously wants good broadcasters. Developed writing and television production skills is a must, but that isn't to say that as a broadcaster you won't be given direction on the job via the headphones, since that is currently the case. You also need at least a college degree in Journalism, Communications or a related field. WWE looks for good attitude in their candidates and you will need to travel extensively in order to broadcast WWE shows on the road.

WWE look for broadcasters who do not just do play-by-play, but can help convey the story to the audience. If you have watched WWE, you know how the commentators discuss the context of the feud, how a move might impact a wrestler and generally try to make things more emotional. There is no need to go into hyperbole. Commentators like Jim Ross admit they sometimes go to far in praising something or other as being 'the best' they have seen and similar stuff. Being an effective storyteller will greatly improve your chances- regardless of what kind a commentator you will be on-screen. Be able to recognise, analyse and convey the moves and story in the ring to the audience.  

Some WWE's broadcasters get involved in interviewing wrestlers on-screen, hosting segments or DVDs or even involvement in matches- you don't have to be a former wrester to be involved in this. It helps if you have a good attitude, determination, willingness to learn, etc. Passion for pro wrestling is, if not a must, strongly recommended.

Any sales/marketing experience you have will be an asset, since in, part, WWE's commentators try to sell the WWE product to viewers, including encouraging them to watch in the future, buy PPVs or see WWE live. With sales, it helps greatly if you can work well in a fast-paced environment. Like any position in the WWE, teamwork skills are a must.  

For the audition tape, it often is no more than 10 minutes at the most. Include a variety of material, including material showing that you can get viewers 'into the emotion of the moment.' You probably wouldn't include anything about sales on the audition tape to be a broadcaster- that would be in a separate application and getting a position in sales would be easier if you get hired as a broadcaster (or the other way around, if you get in sales and then try apply to be a broadcaster).

Show some variety and prioritise time. Don't include anything just to fill up time- quantity is far less important than quality in this case. As a broadcaster, you succeed when you get the audience into the product, informed, entertained and if everything goes right, emotionally involved. Dull moments showing off vocabulary or play-by-play of simple moves won't help.

If you any further questions, as always, feel free to ask.

Good luck in your future endeavours.