Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Broadcast Technicians
Also called: Audio Engineer, Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer
US median pay
$59,570
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-3.1%
declining
Openings a year (US)
1,600
24,100 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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 they do day to day
- Play and record broadcast programs, using automation systems.
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
- Monitor and log transmitter readings.
- Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels.
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.9/5
- Operation and Control3.4/5
- Systems Evaluation3.2/5
- Systems Analysis3.2/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.2/5
- Troubleshooting3.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.1/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics5.0/5
- Communications and Media4.5/5
- Telecommunications4.5/5
- Engineering and Technology4.4/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.