Broadcast Technicians in Illinois
Want to work as a Broadcast Technicians in Illinois? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Broadcast Technicians Make in Illinois?
For a broadcast technicians working in Illinois, the median annual wage is $74,990 per year (or about $36.05/hour).Pay can range from $31,180 at the 10th percentile to $128,890 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,180 | $14.99 |
| 25th percentile | $38,940 | $18.72 |
| Median (50th) | $74,990 | $36.05 |
| 75th percentile | $110,230 | $53.00 |
| 90th percentile | $128,890 | $61.97 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Illinois compared to the national average — is 0.70, indicating fewer broadcast technicians per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, broadcast technicians earn a median of $74,153 per year ($35.65/hour), above the Illinois median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 113,714 broadcast technicians in the U.S.. In Illinois alone, around 580 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 290 broadcast technicians.
Top Illinois Metros for Broadcast Technicians
These are the Illinois metros with the most broadcast technicians in Illinois.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 410 | $82,130 |
| Peoria, IL | 40 | $42,190 |
Top States for Broadcast Technicians Employment
The table below shows the states where the most broadcast technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 2,520 |
| New York | 1,800 |
| Florida | 1,250 |
| Texas | 1,120 |
| Pennsylvania | 970 |
| Colorado | 900 |
| Indiana | 670 |
| Virginia | 670 |
| North Carolina | 660 |
| Georgia | 650 |
| Ohio | 640 |
| Illinois | 580 |
| Michigan | 550 |
| Massachusetts | 540 |
| New Jersey | 460 |
| Arizona | 460 |
| Wisconsin | 430 |
| Minnesota | 430 |
| Tennessee | 420 |
| Maryland | 370 |
Highest-Paying States for Broadcast Technicians
The highest-paying states for broadcast technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $96,520 |
| New York | $80,980 |
| Illinois | $74,990 |
| California | $73,780 |
| Connecticut | $72,410 |
| Nevada | $67,910 |
| Arizona | $63,080 |
| Colorado | $60,860 |
| Maryland | $58,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,250 |
Skills
Key broadcast technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for broadcast technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, broadcast technicians typically:
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Monitor and log transmitter readings.
- Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
- 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.
- Play and record broadcast programs, using automation systems.
- Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
- Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
- Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.
- Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
- Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Getting Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Illustrator In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Audiovisual Communications
- Communications Technology
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to broadcast technicians include:
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Computer Network Architects
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Also Known As
Audio Engineer, Audio Operator, Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer, Broadcast Operations Engineer, Broadcast Operations Technician, Broadcast Technician, Color Technician, Control Engineer, Control Operator, Control Room Operator, Control Room Technician, Digital Production Assistant, Engineering Operator.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 27-4012.00
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