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Broadcast engineer vs signal technician

The differences between broadcast engineers and signal technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a broadcast engineer and a signal technician. Additionally, a broadcast engineer has an average salary of $70,490, which is higher than the $51,106 average annual salary of a signal technician.

The top three skills for a broadcast engineer include transmitters, troubleshoot and technical support. The most important skills for a signal technician are traffic control devices, CDL, and DOD.

Broadcast engineer vs signal technician overview

Broadcast EngineerSignal Technician
Yearly salary$70,490$51,106
Hourly rate$33.89$24.57
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs7,22825,177
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Associate Degree, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

Broadcast engineer vs signal technician salary

Broadcast engineers and signal technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Broadcast EngineerSignal Technician
Average salary$70,490$51,106
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $98,000Between $37,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CityArlington, VA-
Highest paying stateVirginia-
Best paying companyApple-
Best paying industryMedia-

Differences between broadcast engineer and signal technician education

There are a few differences between a broadcast engineer and a signal technician in terms of educational background:

Broadcast EngineerSignal Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Associate Degree, 42%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyInter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Broadcast engineer vs signal technician demographics

Here are the differences between broadcast engineers' and signal technicians' demographics:

Broadcast EngineerSignal Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 90.6% Female, 9.4%Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.5% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.0% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between broadcast engineer and signal technician duties and responsibilities

Broadcast engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage on-air logs, automation playlists and server-base computer systems.
  • Design networking for IP base broadcast systems for radio and television engineer systems.
  • Direct studio and professional ISDN vocal sessions.
  • Install, and maintain multiple FM broadcast radio remote systems.
  • Perform system upgrades to the existing PBX at the San Ramon site.
  • Assist in on location of live NFL broadcasts as well as I.T.
  • Show more

Signal technician example responsibilities.

  • Used UNIX base analysis systems to accomplish all tasks.
  • Compose written reports of data collect from patient evaluation and present to department chief for thorough analysis of patient diagnosis.
  • Coordinate with road masters and other CSX personnel to get cars spot and efficient completion of all require task.
  • Assist in the construction and installation of ATC and PTC systems.

Broadcast engineer vs signal technician skills

Common broadcast engineer skills
  • Transmitters, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Technical Support, 6%
  • RF, 6%
  • IP, 5%
  • Audio Equipment, 5%
Common signal technician skills
  • Traffic Control Devices, 22%
  • CDL, 14%
  • DOD, 9%
  • Signal Systems, 7%
  • MUTCD, 6%
  • IMSA, 6%

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