What they do
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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Also called: |
Audio Engineer, Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer, Broadcast Operations Engineer, Broadcast Technician, Control Operator, Production Engineer
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Wages
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Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 16.12 |
$33,540 |
25% |
$ 19.23 |
$39,990 |
Median |
$ 22.90 |
$47,630 |
75% |
$ 27.46 |
$57,120 |
90% |
$ 36.43 |
$75,780 |
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Average |
$ 23.56 |
$48,990 |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Broadcasting (except Internet)
| 68% |
| 8% |
- Educational services; state, local, and private
| 6% |
- Motion picture and sound recording industries
| 5% |
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
| 3% |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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- Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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- Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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- Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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More at O*NET |
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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- Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
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More at O*NET |
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
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- Monitor and log transmitter readings.
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- Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
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- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
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- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Vermont |
2020 employment |
46 |
2030 employment |
45 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
-0.2% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
4 |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
- Typical education needed for entry
Associate's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
Short-term on-the-job training
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Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Important
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- Level of activity is Moderate
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Low | | High |
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Job Zone
Medium Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(6.0 to < 7.0) - A typical worker will require
over 1 year up to and including 2 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 0% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 0% |
Bachelor's degree | | 2% |
Associate's degree | | 43% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 37% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 17% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
More at O*NET |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
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- Notify others of equipment problems.
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- Maintain logs of production activities.
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- Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
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- Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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