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Broadcast Media
NBCUniversal, CBS, Sinclair Broadcast Group
Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other
These workers keep the gear behind live and recorded media running, from cameras and microphones to switchers, monitors, and streaming boxes. The job is distinct because success is measured in split-second fixes: when the signal drops, the sound distorts, or a feed goes dark, they have to recover fast without interrupting the show. The tradeoff is solid hands-on work with decent pay, but very little room for error and only modest job growth.
Also known as Broadcast TechnicianAV TechnicianAudio Visual TechnicianStudio TechnicianMedia Technician
Median Salary
$67,190
Mean $78,350
U.S. Workforce
~13K
1.1K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+0.6%
15.1K to 15.2K
Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other sits in the Creative category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~13K workers, with a median annual pay of $67,190 and roughly 1.1K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 15.1 K in 2024 to 15.2K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with High school diploma or equivalent, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around AV Production Assistant and can progress toward Broadcast Operations Manager. High-value skills usually include Broadcast signal troubleshooting, Video switchers, encoders & replay systems, and Q-SYS, Crestron & Extron AV systems, paired with soft skills such as Calm under pressure, Attention to detail, and Clear communication.
Core Responsibilities
- Set up cameras, microphones, screens, and other equipment before a recording, broadcast, or event starts.
- Watch the audio and video feeds during live work and adjust settings so the picture and sound stay clear.
- Track down problems fast when equipment cuts out, a signal gets weak, or a piece of gear stops responding.
- Connect, label, and test cables, patch panels, and other equipment so the system is routed correctly.
Keep exploring: more Creative careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Set up cameras, microphones, screens, and other equipment before a recording, broadcast, or event starts.
02 Watch the audio and video feeds during live work and adjust settings so the picture and sound stay clear.
03 Track down problems fast when equipment cuts out, a signal gets weak, or a piece of gear stops responding.
04 Connect, label, and test cables, patch panels, and other equipment so the system is routed correctly.
05 Work with producers, performers, or event staff to make sure the right feed is playing at the right time.
06 Clean, store, and log equipment after use, and do routine checks so it is ready for the next job.
Industries That Hire
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Live Events & Sports
Live Nation, ESPN, AEG Presents
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Corporate AV & Conferencing
Microsoft, Cisco, Zoom
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Film, TV & Streaming
Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney
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Telecommunications & Cable
Comcast, AT&T, Verizon
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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The pay is above many hands-on technical jobs, with a median of $67,190 and a mean of $78,350 a year.
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You do not need prior work experience, and the usual preparation is short-term on-the-job training, so entry barriers are relatively low.
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There are about 1.1 thousand annual openings, which means steady hiring even though the overall field is small.
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The work is practical and visible: if a show, stream, or event goes smoothly, you know your setup and troubleshooting mattered.
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Skills with audio, video, and signal equipment can transfer across studios, venues, corporate meeting spaces, and broadcast operations.
Challenges
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Growth is almost flat: employment is projected to rise only 0.6% from 15.1 thousand workers in 2024 to 15.2 thousand in 2034.
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The job can hit a ceiling quickly, because many workers stay at technician level unless they move into supervision or engineering.
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Schedules are often tied to live events, so nights, weekends, holidays, and last-minute calls are common.
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When gear fails, the pressure is immediate because a bad cable, weak signal, or dead encoder can stop a live production.
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The role is exposed to industry changes like remote production, centralized control rooms, and automation, which can reduce the need for some on-site work.
Career Progression
AV Production Assistant
0-2 years
$35K-$48K
Supports setup, cable runs, equipment checks, and basic operation while learning how live media systems are put together.
Media and Communication Equipment Worker
2-5 years
$58K-$80K
Runs and troubleshoots media equipment during live or recorded work, with enough skill to keep production moving when something fails.
Senior Broadcast/AV Technician THIS ROLE
5-9 years
$81K-$100K
Handles more complex systems, leads tricky setups, and solves problems on gear that feeds multiple rooms or live outputs.
Technical Supervisor
8-12 years
$101K-$125K
Oversees crews, schedules equipment, and makes sure broadcasts, venues, or conference spaces stay operational under deadline pressure.
Broadcast Operations Manager
12+ years
$126K-$155K
Manages teams, budgets, and technical standards for larger production or communications operations.
Education Paths
High school diploma or equivalent
This is the BLS-listed typical entry point for the role, with short-term on-the-job training usually filling in the rest.
Postsecondary certificate in audio/video or broadcast technology
A certificate can give you structured hands-on practice with signal flow, equipment setup, and troubleshooting before you start work.
Associate degree in broadcasting, electronics, or AV systems
An associate degree is a practical alternative for people who want more lab time and a stronger technical foundation before entering the field.
Industry certification or apprenticeship in AV and broadcast systems
Vendor training and apprenticeships are realistic alternatives for workers who want to learn equipment operation and repair on the job.
Key Skills
Technical
Broadcast signal troubleshooting 96%
Video switchers, encoders & replay systems 89%
Q-SYS, Crestron & Extron AV systems 84%
OBS Studio, vMix & live streaming tools 79%
Cabling, patch panels & test meters 74%
Camera, microphone & playback hardware 71%
Intercom, RF & signal distribution gear 67%
Soft Skills
Calm under pressureAttention to detailClear communicationTeamworkTime managementAdaptability Job Outlook and Trends
+0.6%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
1.1K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 15.1K to 15.2 K over the next decade, representing 0.6% growth. Around 1.1 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.