Broadcast Technicians
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.
Also called: Audio Engineer · Board Operator · Broadcast Engineer · Broadcast Maintenance Engineer · Broadcast Operations Engineer · Broadcast Technician
Median pay (national)
$53,920
$29,190–$115,400 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
21,080
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-2.8%
~1,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for broadcast technicians shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $115,400 versus $29,190 at the bottom 10% — 4.0x. The median of $53,920 leaves roughly 114% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -2.8% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 1,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 48 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $96,520, +79% vs the national median), while South Dakota sits lowest at $29,230 — a 230% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Monitor and log transmitter readings.
- Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
- Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
- Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
- Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.
- Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- UNIX
- Adobe Audition
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Avid Technology audio visual editing software
- Character generator software
- Cisco IOS
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Design
- Mathematics
- Education and Training