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Schools and universities are seeking to improve their audio and video capabilities to attract and keep the best students. They are building classrooms with interactive whiteboards and video equipment that allow teachers to give more interactive multimedia presentations and to record lectures.

Employment of broadcast technicians is expected to grow 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, while employment of sound engineering technicians is expected to grow 1 percent. The television and motion picture industry will continue to need technicians to improve the picture quality of shows and movies. The industry is installing the latest technologies, such as digital or 3D screens, in movie and home theaters and is converting existing theaters to new formats.

However, growth will be slowed by consolidation of radio and television stations and by technological improvements that will increase the productivity of technicians. Laborsaving advances, such as computer-controlled programming, may result in fewer broadcasting positions needed to produce the same number of programs.

Job Prospects

Competition for jobs will be strong. This occupation attracts many applicants who are interested in working with the latest technology and electronic equipment. Many applicants also are attracted to working in the radio and television industry.
Those looking for work in this industry will have the most job opportunities in smaller markets or stations. Those with hands-on experience with electronics or with work experience at a radio or television station will have the best job prospects. In addition, technicians are expected to be versatile and contribute to the set up, operation, and maintenance of equipment, whereas previously technicians typically specialized in one area.
Employment projections data for broadcast and sound engineering technicians, 2010-20
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2010 Projected Employment, 2020 Change, 2010-20 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians — 116,900 128,600 10 11,600 —
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
 27-4011 61,200 69,400 13 8,200 [XLS]
Broadcast Technicians
 27-4012 36,700 40,000 9 3,300 [XLS]
Sound Engineering Technicians
 27-4014 19,000 19,100 1 100 [XLS]



Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of broadcast and sound engineering technicians.
Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help 2010 MEDIAN PAY Help
Computer support specialists

Computer Support Specialists

 Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called technical support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called help-desk technicians, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems. Some college, no degree $46,260
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians

 Electrical and electronic engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment. Associate’s degree $56,040
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

 Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install, repair, or replace a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries. Postsecondary non-degree award $49,170
Film and video editors and camera operators

Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators

 Film and video editors and camera operators record images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for TV shows, motion pictures, music videos, documentaries, or news and sporting events. Editors construct the final productions from the many different images camera operators capture. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production. Bachelor’s degree $45,490






Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm (visited May 30, 2012).
Publish Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012.

Baton Rouge School of Production - Call (225) 773-3350