Broadcast Technicians

Also Called: Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Technician, Control Operator

What Broadcast Technicians do

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

  • Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
  • Monitor and log transmitter readings.
  • Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
Industry Areas:

Information Technology

Training Program Areas:

Network Cable Installation • OCT-Only Information Technology

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Telephone
  • Work With Work Group or Team

Tools

  • Video editors
  • Media control systems
  • Audio mixing consoles
  • Satellite receivers
  • Oscilloscopes

Technology

Video creation and editing software
Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
Apple Final Cut Pro
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Operating system software
Linux
UNIX

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Complex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Communications
telecommunications
multimedia
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 43% Associate's degree
  • 27% Some college, no degree
  • 17% High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Integrity

Values

  • Support
  • Achievement
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Hand and Finger Use

This is what Broadcast Technicians across the country typically make.

$13.50 / hour
$28,080 /year

Entry Level

$27.74 / hour
$57,690 /year

Median Level

$60.29 / hour
$125,410 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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