Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 28,400 people employed as broadcast technicians in the United States. The median annual salary is $43,600. Entry level employees earn approximately $21,570 per year and senior employees earn approximately $83,620 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.
• Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
• Make commercial dubs.
• Set up and operate portable field transmission equipment outside the studio.
• Give technical directions to other personnel during filming.
• Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content.
• Produce graphics for broadcasts.
• Discuss production requirements with clients.
• Produce educational and training films and videotapes by performing activities, such as selecting equipment and preparing scripts.
• Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
• Design and modify equipment to employer specifications.
• Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary.
• Determine the number, type, and approximate location of microphones needed for best sound recording or transmission quality, and position them appropriately.
• Organize recording sessions and prepare areas, such as radio booths and television stations, for recording.
• Schedule programming or read television programming logs to determine which programs are to be recorded or aired.
• Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
• Develop employee work schedules.
• Instruct trainees in use of television production equipment, filming of events, and copying and editing graphics or sound onto videotape.
• Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.

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