Broadcast and Sound Technicians
Description OES Code:34028
Maintain electronic equipment used in the production, transmission, or reproduction of voice, sound, and visual images in television programs. Set up, operate, repair, and maintain the electronic broadcasting equipment.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $6.24
25th Percentile $6.90
50th Percentile $8.33
75th Percentile $13.99

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
While the normal work week is 40 hours, some technicians work a 35-hour week. Overtime or weekend work may be necessary to meet broadcast deadlines. Evening, night, and weekend shifts are common since many stations are on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Compensation for overtime and night shift differential are available at some companies.

Fringe benefits vary depending on length of service, particular jobs, size of stations, and union contracts. Many stations offer sick leave and holiday and vacation programs, as well as medical and dental coverage. Retirement plans and investment or stock options are available at some facilities.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 5,400
Employment 2008 6,300
Percent Change 1998-2008 16.7%
Separations 1998-2008 1,600

Employment Trends by California County.

Working Conditions
Technicians usually work indoors in pleasant well lighted and ventilated surroundings. Stations are comfortably cool because transmitters and other electronic equipment must be operated at controlled cool temperatures. When necessary they work outside, sometimes in remote areas. Depending upon the job, physical activity varies from sedentary to strenuous. Some technicians may be on their feet for long periods of time and some jobs require lifting. Pressure to meet deadlines can be mentally and physically exhausting. However, the work is usually pleasant and offers relatively good job stability.

Advancement
Opportunities for advancement depend upon the extent and nature of training and experience obtained by technicians. Those who possess the necessary experience and demonstrate above average ability and leadership qualities may advance to supervisory positions. They may move to technical director or through various levels to top positions such as chief engineer or manager of technical operations. Training at a technical school or college is a distinct advantage for those who hope to advance to a supervisory position or to the more specialized jobs in large stations and networks.

Getting the Job & Other Information
The majority of Broadcast Technicians are employed in broadcasting facilities of large metropolitan areas where most specialized jobs are prevalent.

Individuals seeking beginning jobs as Broadcast Technicians are expected to face keen competition in major metropolitan areas. Stations in such areas seek highly experienced personnel to fill few available openings. Prospects for entry-level positions for those with appropriate backgrounds should remain generally good in small cities and towns.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Federal law requires transmitter operators, who operate broadcast transmitters, to have a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Restricted Class Radiotelephone Operator's Permit. An exam is not required; station managers apply to the FCC for the necessary permits. Many employers, however, prefer applicants to have such a permit. Although there are no established educational requirements, having a high school education, or its equivalent, plus job-related courses at a technical school or college, is considered the best way to prepare to enter this field. High school students planning to become technicians should take courses in electronics, computer skills, and theater arts. Depending on the specialization, algebra, trigonometry, and physics can also be useful. Computer literacy is now essential. Career training programs are available at private schools and colleges.

Skills & Other Requirements
Prospective technicians must have an aptitude for working with electrical and mechanical systems and equipment. Manual dexterity--the ability to perform job tasks requiring precise, coordinated hand movements--is a significant ability. Opportunities for beginners are best in small cities, where less experience may be acceptable. Large stations often require three or more years of experience. Television internship programs are sometimes available through local television stations to qualified applicants.

References
California Occupational Guide #359

Related Occupations: Lighting Technicians, Photo Equipment Operators

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)