FAQ
Broadcast Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a broadcast technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a broadcast technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about broadcast technicians
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.
Is broadcast technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -3.1% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 1,600 openings each year. Upsides include technical media work; a common challenge is that declining jobs.
What skills does a broadcast technician need?
Key technical skills include master control, signal monitoring, switchers, and ip video. Employers also value calm under pressure, attention to detail, and teamwork.
What certifications are available for broadcast technicians?
Common credentials include SBE certification, FCC GROL, Networking certification, and Vendor training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Broadcast Technician fit quiz, compare with Audio and Video Technician, or explore Broadcast Technician training.
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.