Broadcast Technicians
SOC code 27-4012 · O*NET-SOC 27-4012.00 · Medium preparation needed
Broadcast Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$59,570
a year
Hourly
$28.64
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$67,960
$32.68 per hour
Middle 50%
$40,320 – $83,520
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$31,390 – $123,670
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
21,110
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $31,390
- $15.09/hr
- 25th percentile
- $40,320
- $19.38/hr
- Median percentile
- $59,570
- $28.64/hr
- 75th percentile
- $83,520
- $40.16/hr
- 90th percentile
- $123,670
- $59.46/hr
What does a broadcast technician do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
- Monitor and log transmitter readings.
- Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels.
How to become a broadcast technician
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- 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.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a broadcast technician earn?
The national median is $59,570 a year. The full range runs from $31,390 at the 10th percentile to $123,670 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a broadcast technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Monitoring3.9/5
- Active Listening3.6/5
- Reading Comprehension3.3/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics5.0/5
- Communications and Media4.5/5
- Telecommunications4.5/5
- Engineering and Technology4.4/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Systems Analysis, Systems Evaluation.