Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$41,900.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$65,180.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$92,990.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
4,400
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
5,070
+67 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
537
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
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.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
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.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 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
- Robotic studio cameras
- Satellite receivers
- Satellite vans
- Signal transmitters
- Sound effect generators
- Spectrum analyzers
- Studio lighting
- Vector scopes
- Video editing equipment
- Video patch bays
- Video servers
- Video teleconferencing systems
- Videotape machines
- Vision mixers
- Waveform monitors
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Character generator software
- Cisco IOS
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Email software
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare reports
- edit written material
- drive automobile, van, or light truck
- demonstrate or explain assembly or use of equipment
- schedule activities, classes, or events
- edit video film scenes
- operate broadcast regulating equipment
- operate recording or broadcast studio controls
- operate remote broadcast equipment
- operate sound-reproducing or recording equipment
- operate special visual effects equipment
- operate video recorders
- solder electrical or electronic connections or components
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use precision tools in electronics repair
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- operate radio transmitter, receiver, or auxiliary equipment
- use soldering equipment
- operate audio-visual equipment
- communicate technical information
- monitor audio or video transmission or reception
- monitor or review news or programming copy or film
- maintain daily logs or records
- calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
- install electronic power, communication, control, or security equipment or systems
- install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
- replace electronic components
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- test electronic or electrical circuit connections
- distinguish colors
- understand detailed electronic design specifications
- understand technical information for electronic repair work
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- use film production techniques
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary.
- Schedule programming or read television programming logs to determine which programs are to be recorded or aired.
- Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
- Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.
- Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
- Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
- Develop employee work schedules.
- Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
- Design and modify equipment to employer specifications.
- 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.
- Make commercial dubs.
- 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.
- 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.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Audiovisual and Broadcast Technicians
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreBroadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn More