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.
Broadcast Technicians
SOC: 27-4012 O*NET: 27-4012.00
Median Salary
$53,920
per year
Job Growth
📉 -2.8%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Broadcast Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$29,190
10th percentile
Early Career
$36,900
25th percentile
Median
$53,920
50th percentile
Experienced
$80,390
75th percentile
Top Earners
$115,400
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$29,190
25th
$36,900
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$53,920
Mean: $64,220
75th
$80,390
90th
$115,400
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $86,210 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $36,900 and $80,390
- •Salary spread is 80.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 21,080 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:24,800
Top Industries
Information78.9%
Broadcasting and Content Providers69.6%
Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations41.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-2.8%
Annual Openings:1,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)24,800
Current
2034 (Projected)24,200
-2.8%
-700
Employment Change
-2.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Broadcast Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 48 locations
California
2,520 jobs$73,7801.02x
New York
1,800 jobs$80,9801.38x
Florida
1,250 jobs$46,2900.93x
Texas
1,120 jobs$45,0700.59x
Pennsylvania
970 jobs$57,2501.17x
Colorado
900 jobs$60,8602.28x
Virginia
670 jobs$46,4701.20x
Indiana
670 jobs$39,9301.55x
North Carolina
660 jobs$45,4300.99x
Georgia
650 jobs$48,8400.98x
Ohio
640 jobs$31,7600.85x
Illinois
580 jobs$74,9900.70x
Michigan
550 jobs$47,8900.92x
Massachusetts
540 jobs$56,6001.08x
New Jersey
460 jobs$00.80x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Operations Monitoring
86%
#4
Monitoring
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Speaking
60%
#8
Equipment Maintenance
54%
#9
Time Management
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Equipment Maintenance
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Furniture Finishers70%
5 shared skills
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers67%
5 shared skills
Anesthesiologists67%
5 shared skills
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders67%
5 shared skills
Dental Laboratory Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Maintenance
- →Writing
- →Speaking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Broadcast Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechUNIX
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechAdobe After Effects
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Outlook
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft Windows
UNIX
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Adobe After Effects
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Management & Supervision (2)General Responsibilities (10)Documentation & Record-Keeping (6)Training & Development (1)Operations & Execution (1)Planning & Development (1)
1
Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision100% perform100%
2
Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on management & supervision activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Broadcast Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Broadcast Technicians professionals typically have a CRI Holland code and highly value support
CConventional
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Broadcast Technicians
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.23
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.17
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.02
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.01
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.94
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.92
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.2
Dependability
4.2
Cooperation
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
Integrity
3.9
Analytical Thinking
3.9
Self-Control
3.8
Persistence
3.8
Initiative
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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