Career Overview
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 Known As
- Board Operator
- Broadcast Engineer
- Broadcast Technician
- Control Operator
Alternate Job Titles
- Audio Engineer
- Audio Operator
- Board Operator
- Broadcast Engineer
- Broadcast Maintenance Engineer
- Broadcast Operations Engineer
- Broadcast Operations Technician
- Broadcast Technician
- Color Technician
- Control Engineer
- Control Operator
- Control Room Operator
- Control Room Technician
- Digital Production Assistant
- Engineering Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Monitor and log transmitter readings.
- Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
- Play and record broadcast programs, using automation systems.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Develop budgets.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
- Communications and Media
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Flexibility of Closure
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Adaptability
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Tools & Equipment
- Audio mixer consoles
- Audio patch bays
- Desktop computers
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital video cameras
- Digital video disk DVD recorders
- Disk storage systems
- Frame synchronizers
- Integrated receiver decoders IRD
- Laptop computers
- Master control switchers
- Modulators
- Network routers
- Non-linear editing systems
- Personal computers
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $29,190 |
| Median | $53,920 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $115,400 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 21,080
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Audio and Video Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $54,830
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $77,180
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $71,300
Robotics Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $70,760
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $107,240
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.