What Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians Do

What Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians Do?

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About this section

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians operate equipment in schools and office buildings.

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio and television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies and in office and school buildings.

Duties

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians typically do the following:

• Operate, monitor, and adjust audio and video equipment to regulate the volume and ensure quality in radio and television broadcasts, concerts, and other performances
• Set up and tear down equipment for events and live performances
• Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording equipment
• Synchronize sounds and dialogue with action taking place on television or in movie productions
• Convert video and audio records to digital formats for editing
• Install audio, video, and sometimes lighting equipment in hotels, offices, and schools
• Report and repair equipment problems
• Keep records of recordings and equipment used

These workers may be called broadcast or sound engineering technicians or operators or engineers. At smaller radio and television stations, broadcast and sound technicians may do many jobs. At larger stations, they are likely to specialize more, although even their job assignments may change from day to day. They set up and operate audio and video equipment, although the kind of equipment they use may depend on the particular type of technician or industry.
Although some of the duties of broadcast and sound engineering technicians are similar, there are some differences.
Audio and video equipment technicians set up and operate audio and video equipment. They also connect wires and cables and set up and operate sound and mixing boards and related electronic equipment.
Audio and video equipment technicians work with microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, and recording equipment. The equipment they operate is used for meetings, concerts, sports events, conventions, news conferences, as well as lectures, conferences, and presentations in businesses and universities.
Audio and video equipment technicians may also set up and operate custom lighting systems. They frequently work directly with clients and must listen to, understand, and provide solutions to problems in a simple and clear manner. In addition, many audio and video equipment technicians are self-employed and must spend time marketing their practice to prospective clients.
Broadcast technicians set up, operate, and maintain equipment that regulates the signal strength, the clarity, and the ranges of sounds and colors of radio or television broadcasts. They operate transmitters to broadcast radio or television programs and use computers to program the equipment and to edit audio and video recordings.
Sound engineering technicians operate machines and equipment that record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in recording studios, sporting arenas, theater productions, or movie and video productions. They record audio performances or events and may combine tracks that were recorded separately to create a multilayered final product. Sound engineering technicians operate transmitters to broadcast radio or television programs and use computers both to program the equipment and to edit audio recordings.
(Information on foley artists, a type of sound engineering technician, can be accessed from the Occupational Outlook Quarterly.)
The following are examples of types of broadcast technicians and sound engineering technicians:
Recording engineers operate and maintain video and sound recording equipment. They may operate equipment designed to produce special effects for radio, television, or movies.
Sound mixers, or rerecording mixers, produce soundtracks for movies or television programs. After filming or recording is complete, these workers may use a process called dubbing to insert sounds.
Field technicians set up and operate portable equipment outside the studio—for example, for television news coverage. This coverage requires so much electronic equipment, and the technology is changing so rapidly, that many stations assign some of their technicians exclusively to news.
Chief engineers, transmission engineers, and broadcast field supervisors oversee other technicians and maintain broadcasting equipment.

<- Summary Work Environment ->

Work Environment About this section

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians work with a variety of electronic and recording equipment.

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians held about 116,900 jobs in 2010. Their employment was distributed among the detailed occupations as follows:

Audio and video equipment technicians	61,200
Broadcast technicians	36,700
Sound engineering technicians	19,000

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians typically work indoors in radio, television, movie, or recording studios. However, some work outdoors in all types of conditions to broadcast news and other programs. Audio and video technicians also set up audiovisual systems in offices, schools, government agencies, hospitals, and homes. The following table shows the industries employing the most broadcast and sound engineering technicians in 2010:

Radio and television broadcasting	23%
Motion picture and video industries	10
Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries	10
Educational services; state, local, and private	9

Technicians doing maintenance may climb poles or antenna towers, and those setting up equipment do heavy lifting.

Work Schedules

Technicians typically work full time. Some may occasionally work overtime to meet broadcast deadlines or set up for live events. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common because most stations are on the air 24 hours a day.
Technicians who work on motion pictures may be on a tight schedule and may work long hours to meet contract deadlines with movie studios.

<- What They Do How to Become One ->

How to Become a Broadcast or Sound Engineering Technician About this section

Most broadcast and sound engineering technicians have an associate’s degree or vocational certification, although some are hired with only a high school diploma. Some formal training, gained through either work experience or education, is often required.

Education

Audio and video equipment technicians need to have at least a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate to be eligible for entry-level positions. However, many also have an associate’s degree or vocational certificate.
Technical training for audio and video equipment technicians may take several months to a year to complete. In this training, they get hands-on experience with the equipment they will use in many entry-level positions. Coursework and practical experience from a high school or college audiovisual club can prepare a student to be an audio and video equipment technician.
Similarly, broadcast technicians need at least a high school diploma or a GED, although many also have some college education or a vocational training certificate in a related field. Because of the competitiveness of the industry, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in broadcast technology, electronics, computer networking, or a related field can help a technician's career.
Sound engineering technicians usually complete a vocational program, which may take up to a year. Many technicians have an associate’s degree.
Prospective broadcast and sound engineering technicians should complete high school courses in math, physics, and electronics and need to have excellent computer skills to be successful in this field.

Training

Technicians who have work experience and formal training in their field will have the best opportunities for a job. Because technology is constantly improving, technicians often enroll in continuing education and receive on-the-job training to become skilled in new equipment and systems. On-the-job training may include topics such as setting up cables, testing electrical equipment, learning the codes and standards of the industry, and following safety procedures.
Training for new hires can be accomplished in a variety of ways, depending on the types of products and services the employer provides. Although some formal apprenticeship programs do exist, more frequently a new technician will accompany a more senior level technician to get the training and skills necessary for advancement.

Certification

Although not required by most employers, earning voluntary certification may offer advantages in getting a job as a broadcast or sound engineering technician. Certification allows employers to be sure that the technician meets certain industry standards and has kept up to date with new technologies.
For example, the Society of Broadcast Engineers offers eight broadcast engineering certifications, two operator certifications, and a broadcast networking certification, each of which requires passing an exam. Similarly, InfoComm International offers an audiovisual Certified Technology Specialist credential.

Advancement

Although many broadcast and sound engineering technicians work first in small markets or with small stations in big markets, after they gain the necessary experience and skills they often transfer to larger, better paying radio or television stations. Large stations almost never hire someone without previous experience, and they value more specialized skills.
Experienced workers with strong technical skills can become supervisory technicians or chief engineers. A college degree in engineering is typically needed to become chief engineer at large television stations.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Technicians need to communicate with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that clients’ needs are met and that equipment is set up properly before broadcasts, live performances, and presentations.
Computer skills. Technicians use computer systems to program the equipment and edit audio and video recordings.
Manual dexterity. Technicians set up audio and visual equipment and cables which requires a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination. Others adjust small knobs, dials, and sliders during radio and television broadcasts and live performances.
Problem-solving skills. Technicians need to recognize problems with the equipment and propose possible solutions to them. Employers typically desire applicants with a variety of skills who are able to set up equipment, maintain the equipment, and troubleshoot and solve any problems.
Technical skills. Technicians work with and repair a variety of electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and equipment.

<- Work Environment Pay ->

Pay About this section

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians

Median annual wages, May 2010

Sound Engineering Technicians

$47,080

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

$40,540

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians

$39,870

Broadcast Technicians

$35,120

Total, All Occupations

$33,840

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

The median annual wage for broadcast and sound engineering technicians was $39,870 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
The median annual wages for broadcast and sound engineering technician occupations in May 2010 were the following:

• $47,080 for sound engineering technicians
• $40,540 for audio and video equipment technicians
• $35,120 for broadcast technicians

Technicians working in major cities typically earn more than those working in smaller locations.
Technicians usually work full time. Some may occasionally work overtime to meet broadcast deadlines or set up for live events. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common because most radio and television stations are on the air 24 hours a day.
Technicians who work on motion pictures may be on a tight schedule and may work long hours to meet contract deadlines with the movie studio.

<- How to Become One Job Outlook ->

Job Outlook About this section

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Total, All Occupations

14%

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

13%

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians

10%

Broadcast Technicians

9%

Sound Engineering Technicians

1%

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians is expected to grow 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as businesses, schools, and radio and television stations demand new equipment to improve their audio and video capabilities.
As a result, employment of audio and visual equipment technicians is expected to grow 13 percent from 2010 to 2020. Audio and video equipment is in demand in many buildings, where technicians set up new equipment or work to upgrade and maintain old systems. More companies are increasing their video budgets, including increasing the use of video conferencing to reduce travel costs and communicate worldwide with other offices and clients.
An increase in the use of digital signage for schools, hospitals, and hotels also will lead to higher demand for audio and video equipment technicians.
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]

<- Pay Similar Occupations ->

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	2010 MEDIAN PAY
	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 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 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 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

<- Job Outlook Contacts for More Information ->

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more career information and links to employment resources, visit
National Association of Broadcasters
For more information on certification and links to employment information, visit
Society of Broadcast Engineers
For more information on certification and career information for audio and video equipment technicians, visit
InfoComm International
National Systems Contractors Association

<- Similar Occupations

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

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

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