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Creative & Media

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$59,570

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$31k – $124k

Job outlook

No separate BLS projection for this specific role

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $91,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Broadcast Technicians

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$8,000–$22,000

Time to qualify

2 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Broadcast Technicians" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Broadcast Technicians

    Entry / Junior

    $31,390

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Broadcast Technicians

    Established

    $59,570

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Broadcast Technicians

    Senior

    $91,620

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Creative & Media

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.