Broadcast Technicians
SOC Code: 27-4012 Job Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Broadcast Technicians. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $42,557 | $68,078 | $93,600 | $119,122 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $41,954 | $66,997 | $92,061 | $117,104 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $46,821 | $69,701 | $92,560 | $115,440 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $46,467 | $69,326 | $92,186 | $115,045 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $44,720 | $67,101 | $89,482 | $111,862 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $44,678 | $67,038 | $89,398 | $111,758 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $47,466 | $68,806 | $90,147 | $111,488 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $46,238 | $67,288 | $88,358 | $109,408 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $47,050 | $67,746 | $88,442 | $109,138 |
| Modesto, CA | $46,530 | $67,309 | $88,067 | $108,846 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 | |
| Active Listening | 3.6 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.5 | |
| Monitoring | 3.5 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.2 | |
| Writing | 3.2 | |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.1 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 | |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Computers and Electronics | 4.5 |
| Telecommunications | 4.2 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.8 |
| Communications and Media | 3.5 |
| English Language | 3.5 |
| Design | 2.8 |
| Mathematics | 2.8 |
| Education and Training | 2.7 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate's degree | 43.4% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 26.6% |
| High school diploma | 17.4% |
| Some college | 10.2% |
| Bachelor's degree | 2.4% |
Typical Tasks
- Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
- Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
- Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Adobe After Effects Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop Autodesk AutoCAD Linux Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word UNIX Adobe Audition Adobe Premiere Pro
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