Career Paths
Careers: Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician
Every time you turn on the television, watch a movie or listen to a radio, you’re enjoying the end result of many people’s labor. It takes a lot of work to make things sound and look just right. If you long for a career in entertainment, but are more of a behind the scenes kind of person, this career might be right for you.
Broadcast technicians work in behind the scenes of film and television broadcasts, maintaining and operate the equipment used for these broadcasts. They may set-up and operate cameras or other equipment, monitor the quality and clarity of broadcasts and/or maintain a live broadcast. Since things can sometimes go wrong, these technicians might be called upon to correct complicated problems under pressure. On top of all the responsibilities, technicians have to be able to multitask and maintain concentration for long periods.
Sound engineering technicians are versatile professionals that might work for radio stations, recording studios, movies, theater production companies or other video productions. They help maintain clarity, signal strength and quality of audio signals. To do this, they use a variety of equipment specific to their area of work. They might mix or create sound effects, record tracks of music or work in a radio station. Like others that work in technical fields, these professionals have to deal with technical issues that occur, often under pressure.
Training and Qualifications
Working in this field requires a lot of technical know how and an aptitude for electronics. Broadcast and sound engineering technicians understand the science of sound, video and broadcast technology. It takes time to acquire the skills to operate the equipment used in this field. Hands-on learning is particularly important. Depending on what type of industry you work for, this can be physically demanding work, requiring standing or holding heavy cameras for long periods of time. Stress is also part of the job, so learning to work under pressure is a must.
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Education
There are several routes to enter this profession. Broadcast technicians typically need a two-year degree to enter the work force. Sound engineers can earn a degree through a technical school. During schooling, technicians and engineers will receive on-the-job training as well as learn math, physics and electronics.
Related Majors
- Audio and Video Technology
- Broadcast Technology
- Media and Mass Communication
- Communication Equipment Operator
- Computer Support Specialist
- Engineering Technician
In the Know
Working under pressure is just part of the job in these fields as technicians and engineers must often deal with technical problems. Broadcast technicians and sound engineers have to be good with electronics and have the ability to troubleshoot problems, deal with multiple technical tasks as well as have an eye and ear for detail. If you don’t like working under pressure and get frustrated when technical problems arise, then this might not be the job for you.
Compensation
Where you work, the size market of your market and the industry in which you work, makes a big difference in income. Larger cities and certain industries pay more. If you are a broadcast technician you can expect to earn the median salary of about $32,000 a year. If you are a sound engineering technician you might earn from about $30,000 to $40,000 a year. Experience does make a difference in this field, and earning a degree and special certificates will also boost your bottom line.