Broadcast technician
Also known as: broadcast transmitting technician, broadcasting engineer, broadcast transmitter operator, broadcasting equipment operator, broadcasting technician, broadcast transmitting equipment operator
About this occupation
Broadcast technicians install, start up, maintain, monitor and repair equipment used for the transmission and reception of television and radio broadcast signals. They ensure that all materials are available in a suitable format of transmittable quality according to the transmission deadline. Broadcast technicians also maintain and repair this equipment.
Essential skills and knowledge
- manage sound quality
- calibrate electronic instruments
- audiovisual products
- media formats
- operate audio equipment
- select recording source
- electronics principles
- maintain electrical equipment
- broadcast equipment
- maintain electronic equipment
- multimedia systems
- monitor quality of broadcasts
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Broadcast Technicians (O*NET 27-4012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Investigative
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$59,570 a year (2025), 21,110 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (5.0)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaExtremely important (4.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.3)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.1)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Audio and Video Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Robotics Technicians
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Sound Engineering Technicians
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
- Lighting Technicians
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.