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Broadcast Technician

Life As a Broadcast Technician

Broadcast Technician Example 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

  • Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
  • Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
  • Control audio equipment to regulate the volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
  • Schedule programming or read television programming logs to determine which programs are to be recorded or aired.
  • Discuss production requirements with clients.
  • Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations.

Things a Broadcast Technician Should Know How to Do

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.

Other Broadcast Technician Job Titles

  • Videotape Operator
  • Radio/TV Technician (Radio/Television Technician)
  • Control Supervisor
  • Control Room Technician
  • Radio Station Audio Engineer

Job 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,900 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

Salary for a Broadcast Technician

Broadcast Technicians make between $21,130 and $82,580 a year.

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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 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

Tools & Technologies Used by Broadcast Technicians

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Broadcast Technicians:

  • 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:

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

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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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