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What is a Broadcast Technician?
Broadcast Technician Definition Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs.
Life As a Broadcast Technician
- Control audio equipment to regulate the volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
- Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
- Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
- Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content.
- Give technical directions to other personnel during filming.
- Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary.
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Broadcast Technician Skills
When polled, Broadcast Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Technical Director
- Cable Television Access Coordinator
- Video Control Engineer
- Radio Technician
- Custom Studio Coordinator
Is There Job Demand for Broadcast Technicians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 34,000 jobs in the United States for Broadcast Technician. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Broadcast Technician. The BLS estimates 2,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Broadcast Technician are Utah, Rhode Island, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Kansas, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Broadcast Technician Salary
The average yearly salary of a Broadcast Technician ranges between $21,130 and $82,580.
Broadcast Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Broadcast Technicians make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $35,690 |
| Alaska | $36,200 |
| Arizona | $38,230 |
| Arkansas | $37,860 |
| California | $46,140 |
| Colorado | $51,230 |
| Connecticut | $36,830 |
| Delaware | $38,420 |
| District of Columbia | $81,150 |
| Florida | $41,550 |
| Georgia | $44,560 |
| Hawaii | $42,900 |
| Idaho | $40,860 |
| Illinois | $50,140 |
| Indiana | $35,170 |
| Iowa | $39,180 |
| Kansas | $40,550 |
| Kentucky | $40,980 |
| Maine | $50,820 |
| Maryland | $54,330 |
| Massachusetts | $45,660 |
| Michigan | $45,300 |
| Minnesota | $43,480 |
| Mississippi | $37,000 |
| Missouri | $45,130 |
| Montana | $34,720 |
| Nebraska | $38,720 |
| Nevada | $32,970 |
| New Jersey | $54,960 |
| New Mexico | $33,720 |
| New York | $57,460 |
| North Carolina | $41,260 |
| North Dakota | $38,790 |
| Ohio | $40,610 |
| Oklahoma | $33,540 |
| Oregon | $42,160 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,070 |
| Rhode Island | $47,020 |
| South Carolina | $37,480 |
| South Dakota | $34,190 |
| Tennessee | $45,260 |
| Texas | $40,510 |
| Utah | $39,740 |
| Vermont | $37,140 |
| Virginia | $46,370 |
| Washington | $48,420 |
| West Virginia | $34,070 |
| Wisconsin | $44,380 |
| Wyoming | $45,660 |
What Tools & Technology do Broadcast Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Broadcast Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Linux
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- UNIX
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
- Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
- Cisco IOS
- Avid Technology
Becoming a Broadcast Technician
What kind of Broadcast Technician requirements are there?
What work experience do I need to become a Broadcast Technician?
Who Employs Broadcast Technicians?
Below are examples of industries where Broadcast Technicians work:
Similar Careers
Those who work as a Broadcast Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Joalpe via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.