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.
Also called: Audio Engineer, Audio Operator, AV Tech (Audio Visual Technician), Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer
Median pay
$59,570
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$31,390 – $123,670
People employed
21,110
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Broadcast Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (46 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What broadcast technicians do
- 01Play and record broadcast programs, using automation systems.
- 02Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- 03Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
- 04Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- 05Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- 06Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from broadcast technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment84% · +24%
- Robotics Technicians82% · group pay
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians82% · +31%
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians78% · +24%
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers77% · +7%
Change into broadcast technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers77% · $63,890
- Photonics Technicians75% · $78,350
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers75% · $63,520
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers72% · $52,600
- Motion Picture Projectionists72% · $38,270
Majors that lead here
- Communications Technology/Technician
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.