Broadcast and sound engineering technician essential career information:
- 2011 median pay: $46,310
- 2011, number of jobs: 14,280
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 10 percent
- Entry-level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Broadcast and sound engineering technicians; what they do:
Broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians are the behind-the-scenes workers who bring the entertainment world to life. A broadcast technician career and a sound engineering technician career includes assembling, operating and maintaining electrical equipment for televisions broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings and movies everywhere from offices to schools.
Broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians are responsible for properly assembling and adjusting equipment for supreme quality and correct volume during radio and television broadcasts, concerts, and other performances. After performances, technicians also break the equipment down and store it properly.
Whenever equipment breaks or fails, broadcast technicians or sound engineering technicians are called to diagnose and correct the issue.
A broadcast technician career and a sound engineering technician career may include using recording equipment to record speech, music, and sound effects, as well as to ensure sounds are properly synchronized with actions on television or in movies.
Broadcast technician careers and sound engineering technician careers may involve converting video and audio records to digital formats for editing.
Specifically, broadcasting technicians focus on setting up, operating, and maintaining radio and television broadcasting equipment. They regularly use computers when programming equipment and editing recordings.
Sound engineering technicians work with equipment used for a large variety of tasks, such as recording, mixing, or reproducing sounds in recording studios, sporting arenas, theater productions, or movie and video productions. Sound engineering technicians also combine separately recorded tracks, creating a multi-layered result. A sound engineering career may also involve operating transmitters to broadcast radio or television programs.
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Broadcast and sound engineering technicians job titles:
- Broadcasting Technician
- Audio Technician
- Sound Technician
- Master Control Operator (MCO)
- Broadcast Engineer
- Recording Engineer
- Audio Engineer
- Sound Engineer
- Sound Mixer
- Audio Operator
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians Education, Certification and License Requirements
A broadcast technician career or sound engineering technician career requires a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, although many have an associate’s degree, vocational certificate, or a Bachelor degree in Broadcast Technology, Electronics, Computer Networking, or a degree in a related field. Broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians also receive on-the-job training. They’re encouraged to enroll in continuing education courses.
Broadcast and sound engineering technician programs cover subjects such as:
- Audio fundamentals
- Studio recording
- Acoustics and audio
- Digital audio technology
- Recording Studio Techniques
Broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians don’t need certification; however some employers may prefer certification. The Society of Broadcast Engineers and InfoComm International offer a variety of industry-related certifications.
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Career Advancement Opportunities
Broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians often advance from small markets or small stations to larger markets and stations for a higher salary. Broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians must obtain significant work experience to work at a larger station.
Broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians with significant experience and a college degree in engineering may advance in their career to a chief engineer position.
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 9 percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020 for broadcast technicians and a one percent employment growth for sound engineering technicians.
The demand for broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians increases as more schools, businesses as well as radio and television stations seek new and improved audio and video equipment.
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians Salary
- 2011 median annual wage: $46,310
- 2011, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $71,820
- 2011, workers at the 25% percentile annual wage: $31,540
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Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians Major Employers
- Motion picture and video industries
- Radio and television broadcasting
- State, local and private education services
- Performing arts, spectator sports and related industries
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