Audio and Video Technician
Set up and run sound, video and lighting for events, meetings and productions.
- $58,100
- 3–12 months
Arts, Media & Design career
Broadcast Technician
Also called: Broadcast Engineer · Master Control Operator · Studio Technician · Transmitter Engineer
What broadcast technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a broadcast technician do?
Broadcast technicians set up, operate and maintain equipment that regulates signal strength, clarity and range of sounds and colors in radio or television broadcasts. The median pay is $59,570 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2-year degree, and employment is projected to grow -3.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$59,570$28.64/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-3.1%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year1,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2-year degreeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs24,100Employment, 2025
What broadcast technicians do
Broadcast technicians keep shows on air. They run master control, monitor signals, operate switchers and audio boards, maintain transmitters and studio gear, and set up remote broadcasts.
An associate degree is typical. BLS projects decline as automation grows.
Typical duties
- Run master control
- Monitor signals
- Operate switchers
- Maintain equipment
- Set up remote broadcasts
- Troubleshoot outages
- Log transmissions
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in stations, control rooms and remote sites.
Schedule: Shifts cover 24/7 broadcasting.
A day in the life
- Check overnight logs.
- Run the morning newscast.
- Fix a camera feed.
- Maintain the transmitter.
See a full day in the life of a broadcast technician →
Broadcast Technician salary
Half of broadcast technicians earned more than $59,570 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $31,390 for the lowest 10% to $123,670 for the top 10%.
Full broadcast technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a broadcast technician
- Earn an associate degree
- Intern at a station
- Get hired
- Earn SBE certification
- Advance
An associate degree in broadcast technology or electronics is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a broadcast technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Master control
- Signal monitoring
- Switchers
- IP video
- RF basics
People skills
- Calm under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Reliability
All broadcast technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Technical media work
- Live TV excitement
- Two-year path
- IP video skills
Cons
- Declining jobs
- Shift work
- Outage pressure
- Automation
Certifications and licenses
- SBE certification: Society of Broadcast Engineers.
- FCC GROL: Radio license, helpful.
- Networking certification: IP video.
- Vendor training: Equipment.
Career path
- Master Control Operator: Entry.
- Broadcast Technician: Maintain.
- Broadcast Engineer: Engineer.
- Chief Engineer: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Broadcast Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as respond to an on-air outage and set up a live remote shot, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
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Compare: Broadcast Technician vs. AV Technician · Broadcast Technician vs. Sound Engineer · Broadcast Technician vs. Broadcast Announcer · Broadcast Technician vs. Camera Operator
Broadcast Technician FAQ
Do I need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
What is SBE?
The Society of Broadcast Engineers, which certifies technicians.
How much does a broadcast technician make?
The median annual wage for broadcast technicians was $59,570 ($28.64 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,390 and the highest 10% earned more than $123,670.
How long does it take to become a broadcast technician?
Most people need about 2-year degree of training. An associate degree in broadcast technology or electronics is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a broadcast technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More broadcast technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-4012 (Broadcast technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Broadcast technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.