Broadcast Technicians Career, Salary and Skills
Broadcast Technicians have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $59,570 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 21,110. Wage data is published for 143 locations.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
27-4012.00
Job zone
3
Typical education
Not recorded
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$59,570
Hourly median
$28.64
Employment
21,110
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.88 | 3.62 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.88 | 3.38 |
| Monitoring | 3.88 | 3.88 |
| Active Listening | 3.62 | 3.75 |
| Operation and Control | 3.38 | 3.25 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.25 | 3.62 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Writing | 3.12 | 3.00 |
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Play and record broadcast programs, using automation systems.
Technology
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Audition
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Avid Technology audio visual editing software
- Character generator software
- Cisco IOS
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Email software
- Linux
Broadcast Technicians salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in CAMedian $72,800 · Employment 2,340
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in New York, NYMedian $96,820 · Employment 2,010
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in NYMedian $78,840 · Employment 1,690
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in TXMedian $49,440 · Employment 1,380
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in FLMedian $64,950 · Employment 1,130
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in PAMedian $80,470 · Employment 950
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in COMedian $74,040 · Employment 820
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in INMedian $44,400 · Employment 760
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in Washington, DCMedian $75,010 · Employment 710
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in VAMedian $57,940 · Employment 710
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in Denver, COMedian $78,050 · Employment 700
- Broadcast Technicians Salary in CTMedian $58,930 · Employment 700
Related careers
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and TechniciansNational median $82,890
- Computer Network ArchitectsNational median $134,050
- Computer Network Support SpecialistsNational median $76,220
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and TechniciansNational median $73,900
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and FilmNational median $74,990
- Radio Frequency Identification Device SpecialistsNational median $130,220
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line InstallersNational median $63,890
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and RepairersNational median $63,520
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.