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Broadcast Technician

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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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?

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

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Who Employs Broadcast Technicians?

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Below are examples of industries where Broadcast Technicians work:

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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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