USA Career Guide - Sound and Broadcast Engineering Technician
Education Requirement of Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians:
- High school
diploma or a General Educational Development (GED)
- Associate’s degree or vocational certificate
Related Instructional Programs: - Communications Technology/Technician
- Music Technology
- Recording Arts Technology/Technician
Training Requirement of Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians in USA
Technical
training for audio and video technicians or for sound engineers may
take up to a year. Sound engineering technician should have studied Physics, Math and Electronics at the high school level. Technology is
constantly improving and therefore, one should be updated about the
latest equipments and software. Training is given on setting up cables,
testing electrical equipment, learning the codes and standards of the
industry, and following of safety procedures.
Certification Of Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians in the US
Certification is not mandatory but having one would definitely put
job seekers at an advantage. Employers gain confidence if they are sure
that the job seeker has met industry standards and is up to date with
the latest technologies.
The Society of Broadcast Engineers in
USA offers 8 broadcast engineering certifications, 2 operator
certifications, and one broadcast networking certification, each of which
requires passing an exam. Similarly, InfoComm International offers an
audiovisual Certified Technology Specialist credential.
Pay of a Sound Engineering Technician in the US
Median annual wages, May 2010
Sound Engineering Technicians: $47,080
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians: $40,540
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians: $39,870
Broadcast Technicians: $35,120
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics)
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Industry Overview
According
to Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor,
employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians is expected to
grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020. With the increase in number of
television and radio stations, business is expected to grow and so will
employment opportunities. Similarly, increase in the use of digital
signage for schools, hospitals, and hotels will lead to higher demand
for audio and video equipment technicians.
Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20Audio and Video Equipment Technicians: 13%
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians: 10%
Broadcast Technicians: 9%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program)
Employment
of broadcast and sound engineering technicians in the cable and pay
television in the broadcasting industry is expected to grow rapidly in
the coming years as projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Prospects of Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians
Broadcast and sound engineering technicians can find jobs in:
- Television and radio stations
- ‘Live’ events like sports and cultural shows
- News channels
- Music stations
- Schools and colleges
- Motion Picture Companies