Broadcast Technician salary in Illinois
Broadcast Technicians in Illinois earn a median of $74,210 a year ($35.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 690 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,130 for the top 10%. That is 25% higher than the national median of $59,570. Illinois ranks 5th of 47 states for broadcast technicians pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.11 broadcast technicians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $77,070, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for broadcast technicians in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,130 | $16.89 |
| 25th percentile | $39,030 | $18.76 |
| Median | $74,210 | $35.68 |
| 75th percentile | $103,820 | $49.91 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $128,130 | $61.60 |
| Average (mean) | $77,070 | $37.05 |
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 | $6,184.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,092.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,854.23 |
| Weekly | $1,427.12 |
| Hourly | $35.68 |
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 Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $96,060 | 520 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $48,650 | 90 |
| Peoria, IL | $40,290 | n/a |
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 Illinois
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $60,740 | $29.20 |
| Photographer | $36,570 | $17.58 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $100,170 | $48.16 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $73,130 | $35.16 |
| Film and Video Editors | $72,460 | $34.84 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $72,430 | $34.82 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,120 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $76,380 | $36.72 |
| Editor | $76,060 | $36.57 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,080 | $38.98 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,270 | $19.36 |
| Art Director | $103,550 | $49.79 |
| Writers and Authors | $68,220 | $32.80 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
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 Illinois?
The median salary for broadcast technicians in Illinois is $74,210 a year, or $35.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid broadcast technicians make in Illinois?
The top 10% of broadcast technicians in Illinois earn at least $128,130 a year. The top 25% earn $103,820 or more.
What is the starting pay for broadcast technicians in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,130 a year, and a quarter of broadcast technicians earn $39,030 or less.
How many broadcast technicians work in Illinois?
About 690 broadcast technicians are employed in Illinois, not counting the self-employed.