Skip to content

Broadcast Technicians

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media (27-4012)

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.

At a Glance

Broadcast Technicians earns a median of $53,920/yr with -2.8% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Working with Computers, Adobe After Effects, Microsoft Windows.

Median Annual Wage

$53,920/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-2.8%

Annual Openings

2

Typical Education

Associate's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (6)

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.8
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.6
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.5
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.5
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.3
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.3

Knowledge (5)

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

4.5
Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

4.2
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

3.8
Communications and Media

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

3.5
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.5

Abilities (8)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.9
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.6
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.6
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.6
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.3
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.3
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.3
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.3

Technology (13)

Adobe After Effects

Category: Video creation and editing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
UNIX

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Photoshop

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe InDesign

Category: Desktop publishing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Illustrator

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (21)

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.6
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.3
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.2
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.1
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.1
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

3.9
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.9
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

3.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.9
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.8
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.8
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.6
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.6
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.6
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.4
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.4
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.4
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.3
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Broadcast Technicians.

Get Started Free