Expand mobile version menu

Broadcast Technician

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$43,650

education graphic

EDUCATION

Associate's degree

job outlook graphic

JOB OUTLOOK

Decreasing

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Journalism and Broadcasting pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Associate's degree

Broadcast technicians typically need an associate’s degree. In addition to courses in math and science, coursework for prospective broadcast technicians should emphasize practical skills such as video editing and production management.

Insider Info

Additional Information

High school courses in electronics, computer and theater arts can help prepare you for this career. Algebra and other advanced math and physics courses are also helpful.

Post-secondary training can be obtained at community and technical colleges. One-year certificate programs or two-year associate's degrees are options. You can open additional doors in this field by earning a bachelor's degree in subjects related to broadcast technology and computer networking.

Although school training can prepare you well, even more is learned on the job. Some people enter this field as a second career after being introduced to new technologies at their jobs. Many cross over from phone company careers.

Jessica Rye is a broadcast engineer in Wichita, Kansas. After high school, she completed a 17-month electronics technician program at the Wichita Technical Institute.

"I would recommend that someone attend a four-year college to acquire something like an electrical engineering degree [with a] business or communications minor if you want to be able to become management or even move to a more powerful position, probably making more money," says Rye.

"For me, attending a technical college that covers basic electronics and also communications was a perfect start," says Rye. "In order for me to move up the ladder, I feel as if I need to go get an electrical engineering degree, along with some communications classes and business management classes."

Most employers don't require certification. But certifications can increase your chances of getting hired. The Society of Broadcast Engineers offers certifications in areas such as broadcast engineering and broadcast networking.

"This is becoming more and more of an IT-based world, so anything you can do to gain knowledge and experience in IT, and especially in how IT relates to broadcast, is worthwhile," says Peter Gillespie. He works for a broadcast engineering association.

Extra Requirements

Although it is not required by most employers, voluntary certification may offer advantages in getting a job as a broadcast technician. Certification tells employers that the technician meets certain industry standards and has kept up to date with new technologies. The Society of Broadcast Engineers offers operator level, engineering level, broadcast networking, and specialist certifications. Most of these certifications require passing an exam. The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association offers the general Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credential as well as the design CTS and installation CTS.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support