A new international study has identified DJ as the most searched dream career in New Zealand.
The finding reflects the country’s growing interest in the profession.
It also highlights the expanding influence of electronic music beyond clubs and festivals.
The research, conducted by financial services company Remitly, analyzed Google search data from more than 140 countries.
The study tracked queries such as “how to become a DJ” and “how to be a DJ” to identify the professions people aspire to pursue.
DJ Outranks Traditional Professions
According to the findings, becoming a DJ ranked ahead of several long-established careers often associated with prestige and financial success.
The country’s top 10 dream careers include:
- DJ
- Veterinarian
- Actor
- YouTuber
- CEO
- Pilot
- Accountant
- Doctor
- Creative Writer
- Lawyer
The report also showed continued interest in music-related careers.
Music producer ranked 15th, suggesting that creative professions remain highly appealing in New Zealand.
Read more: SoundCloud and Twitch Launch SoundCloud Sessions
DJ Culture Continues to Expand Worldwide
New Zealand was the only country where DJ claimed the number one position outright.
However, several other countries also placed the profession among their most searched dream careers.
Australia, Canada, Ireland, Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and the United States all ranked DJ among their leading career aspirations.
The findings illustrate how electronic music has evolved over the past two decades.
DJing once existed largely within underground nightlife. Today, it has become a globally recognized profession.
Music festivals, streaming platforms, social media, and accessible production software have all helped drive that transformation.
Today, many of the world’s biggest DJs headline major festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival while performing arena-sized shows around the globe.
Acting Leads the Global Rankings
While DJ dominated searches in New Zealand, acting emerged as the world’s most searched dream career overall.
It became the global leader for the first time since Remitly began publishing the study.
Actor replaced pilot at the top of the worldwide rankings.
Firefighter, lawyer, YouTuber, veterinarian, flight attendant, police officer, estate agent, and DJ also appeared in the global top 10.
The report also highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence on career ambitions.
Professions such as Prompt Engineer and AI Specialist entered the rankings for the first time.
The study also reflects how dramatically DJ culture has changed in recent decades.
Many people once viewed DJing as a weekend hobby. Today, it has become a full-time profession.
It can lead to international tours, festival headline performances, brand partnerships, streaming revenue, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Social media has made it easier for artists to reach global audiences.
Digital production tools have also lowered the barriers to entry.
As a result, more aspiring musicians now see DJing as a realistic career rather than simply a passion project.
