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Broadcast Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pegasus Studios

Broadcast Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Technicians work in professional government meeting facilities and television studios, operating and supporting a variety of broadcast equipment. The ideal candidate has experience with video ...

Paramount

Broadcast Engineer

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

Other duties, as assigned by Broadcast Operations & Engineering management. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS ... Experience in IT, including an understanding of networking, software, and desktop/server operating ...

iHeartMedia, Inc.

Broadcast Producer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

What We Need: We're seeking a Broadcast Producer assist with the planning and production of live ... Experience using a variety of recording equipment and operating a radio studio * Ability to build ...

Paramount

Broadcast Engineer

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

Other duties, as assigned by Broadcast Operations & Engineering management. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS ... Experience in IT, including an understanding of networking, software, and desktop/server operating ...

iHeartMedia

Broadcast Producer

Burbank, CA

What We Need: We're seeking a Broadcast Producer assist with the planning and production of live ... Experience using a variety of recording equipment and operating a radio studio * Ability to build ...

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All JobsBroadcast Operator JobsBroadcast Operator Jobs in California

Broadcast Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$34

How much do broadcast operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for broadcast operator in California is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a broadcast operator during live productions?

Broadcast Operators often encounter high-pressure situations during live broadcasts, where quick problem-solving is essential. Technical issues, such as equipment malfunctions or signal disruptions, can arise unexpectedly and require immediate attention to avoid on-air interruptions. Additionally, coordinating with producers, directors, and other technical staff in real time demands strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Adapting to rapidly changing scenarios and meeting tight deadlines are common aspects of the role, making flexibility and technical expertise crucial for success.

What is the difference between Broadcast Operator vs Camera Operator?

AspectBroadcast OperatorCamera Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in broadcasting equipmentHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in camera operation
Work EnvironmentTV/radio stations, live broadcasts, control roomsFilm sets, TV studios, live events
Industry UsageBroadcasting industry, media outletsFilm and television production
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to similar technical skills and equipment handling

While both Broadcast Operators and Camera Operators work in media production, Broadcast Operators primarily manage broadcasting equipment and ensure smooth transmission, often working in control rooms. Camera Operators focus on capturing visuals on set or location. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What is a broadcast operator?

Broadcast Operators are professionals responsible for managing the technical aspects of live and recorded television or radio broadcasts. They operate equipment such as cameras, audio consoles, and video switchers to ensure high-quality transmission and recording. Broadcast Operators monitor signal strength, troubleshoot technical issues, and coordinate with production teams to ensure seamless broadcasts. Their role is essential in maintaining the reliability and quality of broadcasted content.

What do broadcast operators do?

Broadcast operators are responsible for operating and maintaining broadcast equipment to transmit radio or television signals. They monitor the broadcast signal quality, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure smooth transmission during live or recorded broadcasts. This role often requires knowledge of audio and video equipment, technical skills, and adherence to safety and broadcasting standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a broadcast operator?

To thrive as a Broadcast Operator, you need a solid understanding of broadcast technology, signal flow, and audio/video equipment, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with broadcast automation systems, editing software, and transmission tools like routers and switchers is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure smooth operations and quick resolution of technical issues. These competencies are crucial for maintaining broadcast quality, minimizing downtime, and supporting seamless live or recorded productions.

Does broadcasting make good money?

Broadcast operators typically earn a median annual salary that varies by location and experience, with entry-level positions often paying lower and experienced operators earning higher wages. Salaries can also depend on the size of the station, the complexity of equipment operated, and additional skills such as technical troubleshooting or certification. Overall, broadcasting can provide a stable income, but it may not be among the highest-paying jobs in the media industry.
What are popular job titles related to Broadcast Operator jobs in California? For Broadcast Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Broadcast Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Broadcast Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Broadcast Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Broadcast Operator job openings:
Broadcast Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Broadcast Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,203 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Broadcast Operator/Transmission - Freelance

Pac-12 Enterprises

San Ramon, CA • On-site

$21 - $25.25/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

The Broadcast Operator/Transmission Freelancer will be responsible for executing transmission technical workflows that ensure high-quality, reliable, and accurate delivery of live broadcasts produced by Pac-12 Enterprises. The highest priority of this position is working with our broadcast partners starting with College Football this fall. This position will report to the Director, Transmission, Media & Asset Management, and will offer technical and operational support to daily productions and broadcast workflows as it pertains to transmission and media ingest. This position is located in our San Ramon, CA office.


This position requires strong technical knowledge of, live video transmission encoding and decoding, and overall broadcast operations verification standards, media asset management systems (MAM), ingest workflows and local and cloud storage.


Excellent communication and coordination skills are required as this role will work closely with engineering, IT/systems, and production teams internally, in addition to direct communication with vendors and clients of Pac-12 Enterprises.


Responsibilities:

Transmission

  • Monitor and manage on-air broadcast signals from Pac-12 Enterprises.
  • Manage and monitor signal flow from venues, remote operations, and control rooms to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality broadcast and streaming
  • Responsible for detecting, diagnosing, and resolving transmission issues and outages promptly.
  • Assigned to specific broadcasts produced by Pac-12 Enterprises and will be point person for transmission, comms, fax outs, and escalation/trouble shooting of the broadcast from start to finish
  • Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to confirm signal routing, connectivity, and quality standards.
  • Support live event production teams with technical setup and communication related to signal transport.
  • Work with Engineering and the Director, Transmission & Media, to execute signal redundancy and disaster recovery procedures
  • Other duties as assigned.


Ingest

  • Assist the media manager with maintaining the media asset management (MAM) system, ensuring all media is correctly tagged, organized, and stored.
  • Execute media ingest for all Pac-12 Enterprise productions and requested media.
  • Execute timely delivery and distribution of media to stakeholders.
  • Assist with metadata, naming conventions, and filing requirements for all media assets
  • Execute media requests from internal departments, external partners, and clients


Requirements:

  • Must be available to work Saturdays and Sundays
  • Experience with live video transmission, media management, or broadcast operations within a TV or digital media network environment.
  • Deep understanding of video signal formats, compression standards, and transport protocols (e.g., SDI, IP, SRT, Fiber, etc.).
  • Hands-on experience with signal routing systems, monitoring tools, and transmission infrastructure (e.g., Evertz, TAG, Imagine).
  • Familiarity with transmission workflows and experience working with encoders and decoders (Nevion products, Haivision, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of media formats (HD/UHD, MXF, MOV, ProRes, XDCAM, etc).
  • Proven ability to perform in high-pressure environments with tight production timelines.
  • Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage multiple live feeds and troubleshoot complex signal issues in real-time.
  • Proficiency in Google Workspace


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Past experience working in a TOC/NOC environment.
  • Experience working in broadcast television, news, sports, or post-production
  • Experience with MAM systems (e.g., Dalet, Iconik, etc.).
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
  • Knowledgeable and passionate about sports and sports broadcasting.


Pac-12 Overview

The Pac-12 stands at a defining moment in its history. Founded in 1915, the league’s rich legacy of athletic and academic excellence spans over 100 years. Supported by world-class service and empowerment, Pac-12 student-athletes have earned more than 500 NCAA team championships. Now with a renewed and bold vision for its future, the Pac-12 has undergone significant transformation on its journey to launching a new collegiate athletics conference, custom-built for both the modern-day student-athlete and an evolving college sports landscape.


Under the leadership of Commissioner Teresa Gould, the Pac-12 embarks on creating a new legacy, composed of nine member universities, a one-of-its-kind and state-of-the-art broadcast production facility in San Ramon, CA, and a reimagined commercial enterprise that is uniquely positioned to drive strategic partnerships, brand enhancement, revenue generation and other growth opportunities to unlock new and lasting value for both its member universities and its student-athletes. Currently composed of Oregon State University and Washington State University, the league will welcome seven new full members beginning with the 2026-27 season, including Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, Gonzaga University, San Diego State University, Texas State University and Utah State University


COMPENSATION: $40 - $50 per hour

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