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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.
Other titles employers use
Audio Engineer · Board Operator · Broadcast Engineer · Broadcast Maintenance Engineer · Broadcast Operations Engineer · Broadcast Technician · Control Operator · Production Engineer
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing and practical work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
- Communications and Media
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.0 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.4 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.8 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 3.5 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for an associate degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A two-year degree 43%
- A certificate or some college 37%
- High school or less 17%
- A four-year degree 3%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Operating system software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Video creation and editing software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Electronic mail software
- Desktop publishing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 10,200
- Job openings each year
- 930
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 5.2%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 10,200 | 930 | 5.2% |
| New York | 4,610 | 0 | −2.1% |
| Texas | 2,430 | 220 | 2.1% |
| Florida | 1,400 | 130 | 7.7% |
| Georgia | 1,250 | 110 | −7.4% |
| Illinois | 1,100 | 100 | −1.8% |
| New Jersey | 1,090 | 100 | 10.1% |
| Michigan | 1,010 | 90 | −3.8% |
| Ohio | 980 | 80 | −12.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 920 | 80 | −1.1% |
| North Carolina | 900 | 80 | 1.1% |
| Tennessee | 800 | 80 | 15.9% |
| Indiana | 720 | 60 | −1.4% |
| Colorado | 660 | 50 | −12.0% |
| Washington | 590 | 60 | 9.3% |
| Virginia | 550 | 50 | −3.5% |
| Wisconsin | 410 | 40 | 5.1% |
| Minnesota | 400 | 40 | — |
| South Carolina | 370 | 40 | 27.6% |
| Alabama | 340 | 30 | — |
| District of Columbia | 330 | 30 | 3.1% |
| Iowa | 320 | 30 | −3.0% |
| Kentucky | 310 | 30 | −8.8% |
| Oklahoma | 310 | 30 | −3.1% |
| Arizona | 290 | 30 | 7.4% |
| Maryland | 260 | 20 | −7.1% |
| Massachusetts | 230 | 20 | −4.2% |
| Missouri | 210 | 20 | −4.5% |
| Connecticut | 190 | 20 | 5.6% |
| Nevada | 190 | 20 | 5.6% |
| Idaho | 180 | 20 | 12.5% |
| Oregon | 170 | 10 | −19.0% |
| Puerto Rico | 150 | 10 | 7.1% |
| New Mexico | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Maine | 130 | 10 | — |
| Utah | 130 | 10 | 18.2% |
| West Virginia | 130 | 10 | — |
| Arkansas | 120 | 10 | −7.7% |
| Mississippi | 120 | 10 | — |
| Kansas | 110 | 10 | −15.4% |
| Nebraska | 110 | 10 | — |
| South Dakota | 110 | 10 | — |
| Montana | 100 | 10 | −9.1% |
| North Dakota | 90 | 10 | −10.0% |
| Rhode Island | 60 | 10 | — |
| Wyoming | 60 | 10 | — |
| Vermont | 50 | 0 | — |
| Alaska | 30 | 0 | — |
| Delaware | 20 | 0 | −33.3% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Rowan University
- Degrees each year
- 126
- Admit rate
- 78%
- Annual cost after aid
- $19,000
Bowie State University
- Degrees each year
- 97
- Admit rate
- 84%
- Annual cost after aid
- $19,000
Belmont University
- Degrees each year
- 97
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $28,000
Savannah College of Art and Design
- Degrees each year
- 34
- Admit rate
- 84%
- Annual cost after aid
- $49,000
SUNY Buffalo State University
- Degrees each year
- 29
- Admit rate
- 76%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
California State University-Dominguez Hills
- Degrees each year
- 28
- Admit rate
- 91%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
St. John's University-New York
- Degrees each year
- 27
- Admit rate
- 80%
- Annual cost after aid
- $29,000
Alabama A & M University
- Degrees each year
- 24
- Admit rate
- 66%
- Annual cost after aid
- $20,000
Compare every college offering audiovisual communications technologies/technicians