Broadcast Technicians

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-4012
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• 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.
• Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
• 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.
• Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
• Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.

Tools and technology

Adobe After Effects, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk AutoCAD, Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• 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

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Broadcast Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.