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Median Annual Incomes, 2006
Sound Engineers $43,010 annual
Radio Operators $37,890 annual
Audio and Video Equipment Operators $34,840 annual
Broadcast Technicians $30,690 annual
U.S. Minimum Wage
$10,712 Annually
(Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in the audio/radio industry are predicted to grow faster than the average for all other occupations through 2016. The average annual salary for an audio technician in May 2006 was $34,840.
The most well paid audio positions are found in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, DC. These areas house the majority of network and news programs so competition for these jobs is high. The BLS suggests that graduates should begin their entry-level careers in smaller towns, where they can develop and build upon their skills so they have a better chance to transfer to bigger cities.
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Graduates of Audio/Radio Production school are in demand, and even entry-level jobs as technicians are highly competitive.
Audio/Radio Producers often work on the operations and set up of audio and video equipment in a variety of environments, including small venues such as conference centers and small businesses, through to large corporations and major broadcast centers. An in-depth understanding of sound equipment, recording equipment, microphones, speakers, and visual on-screen monitoring equipment is critical.
Many with a degree in audio/radio production become sound engineer technicians, working in recording studios, reproducing music, working on sound effects, as well as managing electronic equipment layouts for sport events, meetings, large music and performance concerts, and more.
A degree in audio/radio production may also lead creative graduates into the field of broadcast technology, in which they are responsible for television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, clarity of broadcast, and live broadcast production.
While many audio/radio producers do perform a wide variety of tasks, there is plenty of opportunity to specialize, for example:
- Recording engineer . operating and maintaining audio/visual recording equipment
- Sound mixers . producing sound effects and sound tracks for the movie and television industry.
- Sound field technicians . operators of portable audio/visual equipment.
- Chief engineers and broadcast field supervisors . oversee other technicians.
Audio/Radio producers generally work in major metropolitan areas, but may find employment opportunities in small, and even remote, areas. Individuals are expected to be able to meet deadlines and may even find themselves working outdoors during major events. On-the-job training is very common, as students of Audio/Radio production schools take part in apprentice and work-experience programs as part of earning their degree.
The field of Audio/Radio production is expected to grow by approximately 17 percent through to 2016. While many television and radio stations have consolidated over the years, the demand for digital specialists is growing. Larger metropolitan markets pay more than smaller markets and urban areas. The television industry also pays more than the radio industry.
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