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US job code 27-4012People-facingHigh change by 2035

Broadcast Technicians

Machines can already do 31% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 64%. The job changes before it disappears.

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Share of the work machines can do

Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050

100%75%50%25%20262035205031%Half: 2032

Broadcast Technicians in 2026: the short answer

  • Today: machines can do 31% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 2% of them.
  • Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 64% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
  • Size: 21,110 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $59,570 a year.
  • Contact with people: it scores 75% for contact with people.
  • Also called: Audio Engineer, Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer.
  • Competency here means how well the best AI model, tool or robot available can do a task, scored out of 100: today using the best available now, and for later years the 311 prediction of what AI and robots will be able to do.

Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.

Machines can do today
31%of the tasks, 2026
By 2035
64%half the tasks by 2032
US median pay
$59,570a year, May 2025
US jobs
21k21,110 people
Contact with people
75%how people-facing
Step 1AnticipateWhat is changing? Free to everyone

How the work changes, task by task

The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.

TaskShare of the dayMachines can do2026 to 2035
Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts10%
40% to 80%
Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools8%
3% to 30%
Play and record broadcast programs, using automation systems7%
40% to 80%
Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing7%
40% to 80%
Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks6%
3% to 30%
Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts6%
40% to 80%
Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers6%
25% to 50%
Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible5%
3% to 30%
Step 2AssessWhy should I care? Free to everyone

The skills this job runs on

The skills broadcast technicians use most, most used first.

IT and softwareProfessionalism and work ethicDesign and contentTeaching and trainingEngineering designAdaptability and resilienceCommunicationInterdisciplinary thinkingMoral intelligence and integritySelf-managementManagementOperations and processProduction and makingPhysical and manualCritical thinking and problem solvingInterpersonal skills

Human value: what makes people in this job hard to replace

How much broadcast technicians rely on each one, from 0 to 10. 311 estimates, medium confidence.

  • Go-to problem solver7/10
  • Trust and reliability7/10
  • Know-how about the organisation7/10
  • Network and relationships4/10
  • Mentoring and developing others5/10
  • Culture and morale4/10
  • Initiative beyond the role5/10
  • Calm in a crisis6/10
  • Bridge between teams5/10
  • Reputation and influence2/10

Safer jobs nearby

Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.

Step 3ActWhat do I do about it? Free plan and up
What do I do about it

What should you do about it?

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Questions

When will machines do half of the tasks of Broadcast Technicians?

Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.

Will AI take the job of broadcast technicians?

Machines can do 31% of the tasks of broadcast technicians today and 64% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.

Sources and citing

Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 27-4012.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring, forecast and human value: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit (human value scores are 311 estimates, medium confidence); after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.

Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Broadcast Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/broadcast-technicians/