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The differences between broadcast engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a broadcast engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $70,490 average annual salary of a broadcast engineer.
The top three skills for a broadcast engineer include transmitters, troubleshoot and technical support. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Broadcast Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,490 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $33.89 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,228 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A broadcast engineer specializes in handling and maintaining broadcasting equipment. Their responsibilities include performing installations and adjustments, setting-up video and audio equipment, troubleshooting problems, performing repairs, and recommending upgrades as necessary. They may also develop strategies to optimize operations, establish guidelines, and provide technical support to staff, educating them on how to operate machines effectively. Moreover, a broadcast engineer must perform regular maintenance checks and enforce safety policies to ensure a smooth workflow and safe work environment for everyone.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Broadcast engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Broadcast Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $70,490 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $98,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Apple | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Media | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a broadcast engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Broadcast Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between broadcast engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Broadcast Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 5.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |