Broadcast Technician

Your Fit

Income

$80K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-1.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Broadcast Technician?

A Broadcast Technician operates and maintains the equipment that regulates signal strength, clarity, and ranges of sounds and colors in radio and television broadcasts. They are responsible for ensuring that programs are broadcast on time and to the highest quality.

Sample job titles:

Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Technician, Control Operator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Broadcast Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Broadcast Technician earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Broadcast Technician.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$60K per year	$80K per year	$93K per year	$116K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Broadcast Technician do?

Work environment

Broadcast Technicians typically work in radio, television, or recording studios. They may also find employment at broadcasting networks, news agencies, or sporting events. The role often involves working in control rooms, studios, or outdoor venues, sometimes under tight schedules and live broadcasting pressures.

Quick task list

Sets up, operates, and maintains broadcast equipment.
Monitors and adjusts signal strength and audio quality.
Installs audio and video recording equipment.
Troubleshoots and repairs technical equipment.
Coordinates audio feeds and mixes sound inputs.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Audio Engineering: Focusing on sound quality and audio production.
Video Engineering: Specializing in video feed quality and camera operations.
Transmission Engineering: Managing signal transmission and satellite feeds.
Live Broadcast Production: Operating equipment in real-time during live broadcasts.
Digital Broadcasting: Working with digital broadcasting technologies and streaming services.

Description

Broadcast Technicians are crucial in the behind-the-scenes world of media production. Their expertise ensures that television and radio broadcasts are delivered clearly and reliably. This requires a strong understanding of electronic equipment and technology, as well as the ability to quickly diagnose and address any technical issues that may arise.

The work of a Broadcast Technician is diverse and dynamic, ranging from setting up equipment for broadcasts, adjusting sound and video outputs during live shows, to editing recorded content. They must stay current with rapidly changing technologies and adapt to new broadcasting formats, including digital and streaming platforms. The role requires both technical skills and creativity, as technicians often collaborate with producers and directors to achieve the desired audio and visual effects.

Broadcast Technicians typically work in fast-paced environments where quick thinking and problem-solving are essential. The ability to work under pressure is crucial, especially during live broadcasts where there is no room for error. The job may involve irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, to align with broadcast schedules.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being an integral part of media production and broadcasting.
Working with cutting-edge technology in audio and visual production.
The excitement and dynamism of live broadcast environments.

You might make a good Broadcast Technician if you are...

Technologically savvy, with a keen interest in audio and visual equipment.
Detail-oriented, ensuring precision in sound and video outputs.
Adaptable and able to think quickly to resolve technical issues.
Comfortable working in fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environments.
A team player who enjoys collaborating with others in a production setting.

Pros:

Opportunity to work with the latest media production technologies.
Dynamic work environment with varied daily tasks.
Potential to be involved in exciting live broadcasts and events.

Cons:

Potentially long and irregular hours, especially in live broadcast settings.
High-pressure situations with little room for error.
Constant need to update skills due to rapidly changing technology.

How to become a Broadcast Technician

Typical education

Most positions require at least an associate degree or a certificate in broadcast technology, audio engineering, or a related field, which typically takes 2 years to complete. Some roles might require a bachelor's degree, especially in more technical or specialized areas.

High school preparation

Courses:

Courses in electronics, computer science, and physics to understand the technical aspects.
Media studies or audio-visual classes for foundational knowledge.
Mathematics and science for problem-solving and analytical skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a school's AV club or radio station.
Volunteering to handle sound and video for school events or local community productions.
Participating in media or technology-focused clubs or competitions.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate degree or certificate in broadcast technology, audio engineering, or a related field.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or part-time work in broadcasting studios.
Stay updated with the latest technology and trends in broadcasting and media production.

More resources

Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) - Offers certification, education, and networking for broadcast engineers.
Broadcast Education Association (BEA) - Provides resources and support for academic and professional development in broadcasting.
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) - A leading advocacy association for America's broadcasters, offering industry news and resources.
Audio Engineering Society (AES) - Focuses on advancements in audio technology, including broadcasting.
TV Technology - Provides the latest news and updates in television technology and broadcasting.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.