Life As a Broadcast Technician
Job Description & Duties 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.
A Day in the Life of a Broadcast Technician
- Control audio equipment to regulate the volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
- Discuss production requirements with clients.
- Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
- Develop employee work schedules.
- Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
- Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.
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What a Broadcast Technician Should Know
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.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Engineer
- Technical Testing Engineer
- Broadcast Field Supervisor
- Field Technician
- Program Clerk
Broadcast Technician Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 34,000 jobs for Broadcast Technician in 2016. 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 Average Salary
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
How to Become a Broadcast Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become a Broadcast Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Broadcast Technicians Work

Broadcast Technicians work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Are you already one of the many Broadcast Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Joalpe via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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