What You Need to Know About 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.
Broadcast Technician Responsibilities
- Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
- Determine the number, type, and approximate location of microphones needed for best sound recording or transmission quality and position them appropriately.
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
- Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels.
- Instruct trainees in how to use television production equipment, how to film events, and how to copy and edit graphics or sound onto videotape.
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Qualities of a Broadcast Technician
Broadcast Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Broadcast Technician Jobs
- Radio Station Audio Engineer
- Television Audio Engineer
- Broadcast Operations Engineer
- Audio Engineer
- Program Scheduler
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,900 job openings in this field each year.
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 Average Salary
Broadcast Technicians make between $21,130 and $82,580 a year.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Broadcast Technicians
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
Individuals working as a Broadcast Technician have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Broadcast Technician?
Where Broadcast Technicians Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field 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.
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