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)


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 2010-20
Audio 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
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