Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology equips students with the technical expertise needed to support and execute high-quality audio and video production across diverse media environments. This program emphasizes hands-on training in the operational systems that power modern broadcast and digital content delivery, preparing graduates for dynamic roles in media production teams.
- Sound Engineering and Acoustics: Master the principles of audio capture, mixing, and signal processing to ensure clear, professional-grade sound in studio and field environments.
- Lighting Design and Control: Learn to manipulate light for visual storytelling, including color temperature, intensity, and fixture operation in both studio and on-location shoots.
- Camera Operation and Maintenance: Develop proficiency in operating professional video cameras, understanding lens selection, framing, and routine equipment care to maintain optimal performance.
- Power and Signal Feed Management: Gain expertise in managing electrical systems, signal routing, and distribution networks essential for uninterrupted broadcast operations.
- Studio Operations and Workflow: Understand the coordinated processes involved in running a broadcast studio, from pre-production planning to real-time execution and post-event wrap-up.
- Broadcast Engineering Fundamentals: Explore the technical infrastructure behind transmission, including encoding, compression, and the integration of analog and digital systems.
- Computer Applications in Media Production: Utilize industry-standard software for editing, automation, graphics, and real-time control of broadcast systems.
- Specialized Production Formats: Apply technical skills across varied content types, including live news coverage, entertainment programming, sports broadcasting, talk shows, commercials, and recorded media.
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology degrees, including Film and Video Editors, Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film and Lighting Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 84,530 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film and Video Editors 27-4032 | $70,980 | $39,170 - $145,900 | 28,860 | $34.12 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 27-4031 | $68,810 | $36,240 - $131,420 | 24,460 | $33.08 |
| Lighting Technicians 27-4015 | $60,560 | $36,340 - $117,690 | 10,130 | $29.11 |
| Broadcast Technicians 27-4012 | $53,920 | $29,190 - $115,400 | 21,080 | $25.92 |
Salary Comparison
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $38,403 in South Dakota to $91,980 in District of Columbia—a 140% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 84,530 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 85 institutions offering Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology is found at Full Sail University (139 graduates), Rowan University (96 graduates), Chattahoochee Technical College (86 graduates), Bowie State University (BSU) (79 graduates), and Tarrant County College District (TCCD) (74 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,515 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology degree?
Salaries for Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology graduates vary by role and location. Film and Video Editors earn a median of $70,980 annually, while Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn around $68,810. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $91,980 compared to $38,403 in South Dakota. Approximately 84,530 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology programs?
Currently 85 accredited institutions offer Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Full Sail University (139 graduates), Rowan University (96 graduates), and Chattahoochee Technical College (86 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,018 in 2010 to a peak of 1,562 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,515 in 2023-24. This represents a 25% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Film and Video Editors, Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film, and Lighting Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 84,530 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Media Tech Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Media Tech field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Printing Management
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical and managerial knowledge and skills to the processes and procedures of managing printing operations from...
Prepress and Digital Imaging Design
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the layout, design and typographic arrangement of printed and/or electronic graphic...
Animation and Interactive Technology
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as...
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, prepare, and execute a variety of commercial and industrial...
Platemaker and Imager
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to prepare film, digital data, and surfaces to reproduce printed or graphic...
Printing Press Operator
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, operate, and maintain printing presses.
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.