How to become a Broadcast Technician
Official title: Broadcast Technicians
Also called: Audio Engineer, Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer, Broadcast Operations Engineer, Broadcast Operations Technician (Broadcast Ops Tech), Broadcast Systems Support Engineer, Control Operator, Production Engineer, Radio Technician (Radio Tech)
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.
Main tasks
- 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.
How to become one
Broadcast, sound, and video technicians typically need postsecondary education. Depending on the work they do, educational requirements may vary.
Typical education to start: Associate's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Audio Operator.
- Apprenticeship: Field Engineer (Radio & Tv).
- Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Communications Technology/Technician; Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician; Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $59,570 a year The middle half earn $40,320 to $83,520.
- About 24,100 people work in this job now, and about 23,300 are projected by 2035. (-3.1%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Broadcast Technician?
Broadcast, sound, and video technicians typically need postsecondary education. Depending on the work they do, educational requirements may vary.
How much does a Broadcast Technician earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $59,570 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $40,320 to $83,520.
Is a Broadcast Technician a growing career in the US?
Employment is projected to fall 3% by 2035, from about 24,100 to about 23,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Broadcast Technician?
Not always. 44% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree; Audio Operator.
Will AI change the work of a Broadcast Technician?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.