Broadcast Technicians: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Broadcast Technicians

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.

Salary
$49250
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Broadcast Technicians 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.

  • 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.
Read more about what does a Broadcast Technician really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$46770 per year

Average hourly wage
$22 per hour


Broadcast Technicians with little to no experience tend to make between $21130 and $27200 while the more experienced ones can earn over $60920 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
DC $39 $81,150
NY $28 $57,460
NJ $26 $54,960
MD $26 $54,330
CO $25 $51,230

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Broadcast Technician is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for Broadcast Technicians are DC, NY, NJ, MD and CO.

However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Broadcast Technician is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Associate’s degree

We asked other Broadcast Technicians what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had an Associate’s Degree followed by a College Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Communications Technology/Technician
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other
Read more about how to become a Broadcast Technician and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Broadcast Technician.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Salary is below average

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
64%

Is this job meaningful
47%


64% of Broadcast Technicians said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Organizers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.



Learn more about Broadcast Technicians

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Broadcast Technicians job description, Broadcast Technicians salary, Broadcast Technicians information, what is the job of a Broadcast Technician like, pros and cons about Broadcast Technicians, colleges and universities for Broadcast Technicians, is Broadcast Technicians the right career for me, careers in Art, Entertainment and Sports

Similar careers

Assistant Engineer, Audio Engineer, Audio Operator, Audio Technician, Audio/Video Technician, Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Field Supervisor, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer, Broadcast Maintenance Technician

Additional resources