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Broadcast Technicians

The short answer

This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 136 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.

How much AI could touch this job

More exposedband 4 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 70% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Monitor and log transmitter readings.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Instruct trainees in use of television production equipment, filming of events, and copying and editing graphics or sound onto videotape.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Organize recording sessions and prepare areas, such as radio booths and television stations, for recording.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Producers and Directors

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    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree, with less than 5 years of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

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  • Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

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    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

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    New skills to build

    • Far Vision
  • Sound Engineering Technicians

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    Pays about 11% more—$89,958 vs your $81,045 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
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    New skills to build

    • Fine Arts
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  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Similar work
    slightly less pay1,881 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays slightly less—$79,198 vs your $81,045 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
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    New skills to build

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  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

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    Pays slightly less—$80,340 vs your $81,045 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
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    • Oral Comprehension
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    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
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  • Power Distributors and Dispatchers

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    Pays about 76% more—$142,573 vs your $81,045 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Oral Comprehension
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    New skills to build

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    Pays about 3% more—$83,357 vs your $81,045 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Telecommunications
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    • Problem Sensitivity
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    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
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    • Extent Flexibility
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