Broadcast Technician salary in California
Broadcast Technicians in California earn a median of $72,800 a year ($35.00 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,340 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,640 for the top 10%. That is 22% higher than the national median of $59,570. California ranks 9th of 47 states for broadcast technicians pay. There are 0.13 broadcast technicians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $79,420, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for broadcast technicians in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| 25th percentile | $48,060 | $23.11 |
| Median | $72,800 | $35.00 |
| 75th percentile | $97,430 | $46.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $129,640 | $62.33 |
| Average (mean) | $79,420 | $38.18 |
Half of broadcast technicians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,066.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,033.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,800 |
| Weekly | $1,400 |
| Hourly | $35.00 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Broadcast Technician salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $77,790 | 540 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $77,550 | 130 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $69,740 | 60 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $62,750 | 130 |
| Fresno, CA | $49,930 | 80 |
Highest-paying states for broadcast technicians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $108,270 |
| New Hampshire | $81,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,470 |
| New York | $78,840 |
| Illinois | $74,210 |
| Colorado | $74,040 |
| Nevada | $73,070 |
| Arizona | $73,040 |
| California | $72,800 |
| Florida | $64,950 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $64,620 | $31.07 |
| Film and Video Editors | $88,490 | $42.54 |
| Photographer | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $106,900 | $51.39 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $78,150 | $37.57 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $64,550 | $31.04 |
| Lighting Technician | $94,070 | $45.22 |
| Producers and Directors | $129,790 | $62.40 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $85,030 | $40.88 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,660 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $75,130 | $36.12 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| Editor | $98,030 | $47.13 |
| Art Director | $137,780 | $66.24 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-4012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a broadcast technician make in California?
The median salary for broadcast technicians in California is $72,800 a year, or $35.00 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid broadcast technicians make in California?
The top 10% of broadcast technicians in California earn at least $129,640 a year. The top 25% earn $97,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for broadcast technicians in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,480 a year, and a quarter of broadcast technicians earn $48,060 or less.
How many broadcast technicians work in California?
About 2,340 broadcast technicians are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.