While the stars of popular media may get a lot of the recognition, their appearances are made possible —and optimized— by the work of broadcast and sound engineering technicians. They operate the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies. Audio and video equipment technicians handle equipment such as video screens, video monitors, microphones, and mixing boards. They record meetings, sports events, concerts, and conferences. Broadcast technicians set up and operate equipment that regulates the clarity, signal strength, sound, and color of the broadcasts. They use software to edit audio and video recordings. Sound engineering technicians run equipment that records and mixes music, voices, and sound effects. They work in recording studios, performance venues, and film and stage productions. Audio and video technicians typically work in studios, although some work on location for events or to broadcast news. They also set up systems in schools, hospitals, homes… or other locations. Technicians generally work full time, but schedules may include additional hours for live events or to keep up with production schedules. Radio and TV stations are typically on the air 24/7, so technicians’ hours may run around the clock. Broadcast technicians generally need an associate’s degree, while audio and video equipment technicians, and sound engineering technicians typically need a certificate or related training.
What they do:
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
On the job, you would:
Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Communications
multimedia
telecommunications
Arts and Humanities
English language
music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
Business
customer service
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
do two or more things at the same time
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
Dependability
Cooperation
Integrity
Stress Tolerance
You might use software like this on the job:
Video creation and editing software
Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
YouTube
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Operating system software
Linux
Microsoft Windows
bachelor's degree or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.