The job market for broadcast engineers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 34,000 broadcast engineers in the United States. The broadcast engineer job market is expected to shrink by -3.2% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are broadcast engineers?

CareerExplorer rates broadcast engineers with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 5,100 broadcast engineers. That number is based on the retirement of 6,200 existing broadcast engineers.

Are broadcast engineers in demand?

Competition for jobs in this occupation will be strong because of the ever-growing interest in technology and electronic equipment, and due to the lure of working in the broadcasting and entertainment industries. An expected increase in the number of radio and television programming hours should create some demand for additional technicians. However, this may be tempered by station mergers, the slow growth in the number of new stations, and by labor-saving technical advances such as computer-controlled programming and remote control of transmitters. Most opportunities for aspiring broadcast and sound engineering technicians will be in smaller markets and with smaller stations. As digital transmitters become more common and stations need technicians who can install them, candidates with a background in complex digital electronics and software will be particularly desirable. Aspiring technicians further increase their marketability with a degree or vocational certificate in broadcast technology or production, sound engineering, computer networking, or a related field. While radio and television stations and movie and concert production companies attract the highest number of applicants, broadcast and sound engineering technicians who look beyond these ‘glamour’ sectors may find jobs with arenas, schools, universities, or other large venues which stage events.

What’s the supply of broadcast engineers?

The broadcast engineer industry is concentrated in New York, California, Florida

Broadcast Engineer job market by state