What Does it Take to Be 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: What Do They Do?
- Design and modify equipment to employer specifications.
- Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
- Set up and operate portable field transmission equipment outside the studio.
- Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
- Organize recording sessions and prepare areas, such as radio booths and television stations, for recording.
- Play and record broadcast programs using automation systems.
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Qualities of a Broadcast Technician
Below is a list of the skills most Broadcast Technicians say are important on the job.
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.
Other Broadcast Technician Job Titles
- Projection Engineer
- Technical Testing Engineer
- Sound Effects Technician
- Operating Engineer
- Master Control Supervisor
Is There Going to be Demand for Broadcast Technicians?
There were about 34,000 jobs for Broadcast Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Broadcast Technician
The typical yearly salary for Broadcast Technicians is somewhere 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 different U.S. states?
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 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 education is needed to be a Broadcast Technician?

What work experience do I need to become a Broadcast Technician?

Where Broadcast Technicians Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Broadcast Technicians work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Career changers with experience as a Broadcast Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Joalpe via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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