ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Television Master Control Operator Jobs in California

Hearst

Production Assistant

Salinas, CA · On-site

$43K - $48K/yr

... master control activities and functions a plus. * Bilingual a Plus * Aptitude for operating electronic equipment for broadcast and production requirements. Values in Action At Hearst Television we ...

Hearst Newspapers

Production Assistant

Salinas, CA · On-site

$43K - $48K/yr

... master control activities and functions a plus. * Bilingual a Plus * Aptitude for operating electronic equipment for broadcast and production requirements. Values in Action At Hearst Television we ...

Hearst

Production Assistant

Salinas, CA · On-site

$43K - $48K/yr

... master control activities and functions a plus. * Bilingual a Plus * Aptitude for operating electronic equipment for broadcast and production requirements. Values in Action At Hearst Television we ...

Hearst Newspapers

Production Assistant

Salinas, CA · On-site

$43K - $48K/yr

... master control activities and functions a plus. * Bilingual a Plus * Aptitude for operating electronic equipment for broadcast and production requirements. Values in Action At Hearst Television we ...

Hearst Newspapers

Production Assistant

Salinas, CA

$43K - $48K/yr

... master control activities and functions a plus. * Bilingual a Plus * Aptitude for operating electronic equipment for broadcast and production requirements. Values in Action At Hearst Television we ...

iHeartMedia

Board Operator - Part Time

Burbank, CA · On-site

... largest TV network - and almost 4 times the size of the largest ad-supported music streaming ... master control room * Support off-air commercial production, dubbing music to hard disk and ...

iHeartMedia

Board Operator/Producer

Burbank, CA

... largest TV network - and almost 4 times the size of the largest ad-supported music streaming ... master control room * Support off-air commercial production, dubbing music to hard disk and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTelevision Master Control Operator JobsTelevision Master Control Operator Jobs in California

Television Master Control Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do television master control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for television master control operator in California is $21.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a television master control operator?

Television Master Control Operators are responsible for overseeing the final output of programming for broadcast television stations. They monitor and control the transmission of television signals, ensuring that scheduled programs, commercials, and other content air correctly and on time. Their duties include operating broadcasting equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, maintaining broadcast logs, and adhering to regulatory standards. Master Control Operators play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth, error-free broadcast for viewers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a television master control operator?

To thrive as a Television Master Control Operator, you need a solid understanding of broadcast operations, signal flow, and FCC regulations, often supported by a degree or certificate in broadcast technology or a related field. Familiarity with automation systems, video servers, waveform monitors, and playout software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are critical to ensure seamless broadcasting, regulatory compliance, and quick resolution of technical issues during live programming.

What are some common challenges faced by television master control operators, and how can they be managed?

Television Master Control Operators often encounter challenges such as managing multiple live feeds, troubleshooting technical issues under tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless transitions between programs and commercials. Staying calm under pressure, having strong attention to detail, and maintaining clear communication with production and engineering teams are essential for handling these situations effectively. Regular training on new broadcast technologies and developing quick problem-solving skills can also help operators stay ahead of industry changes and minimize on-air disruptions.

What is the difference between Television Master Control Operator vs Broadcast Technician?

AspectTelevision Master Control OperatorBroadcast Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require technical certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentBroadcast control rooms, TV stations, or networksStudio facilities, transmission sites, or technical support centers
Employer & IndustryTelevision stations, networks, cable providersBroadcast companies, TV stations, media organizations
Job FocusMonitoring and controlling live and pre-recorded broadcastsMaintaining and repairing broadcast equipment, technical troubleshooting

While both roles support broadcast operations, Television Master Control Operators primarily monitor and control live broadcasts, ensuring smooth transmission. Broadcast Technicians focus more on maintaining and repairing equipment to support broadcast quality. Both roles require technical skills and work in similar environments, but their daily responsibilities differ.

What job categories do people searching Television Master Control Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Television Master Control Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Television Master Control Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Television Master Control Operator job openings:

Television Master Control Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Television Master Control Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,333 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Production Assistant

Hearst

Salinas, CA • On-site

$43K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 78 rated media

Job description

KSBW 8 (NBC) / Central Coast ABC / Estrella TV Costa Central, part of Hearst Television, is looking for a Production Assistant, who is self-motivated, detail oriented, organized multi-tasking team player. They will be responsible for operating robotic cameras, teleprompter and video equipment as related to live broadcasts and post-production.  Candidate will also be responsible for monitoring multiple air channels, acquiring, ingesting, and preparing content, executing playlists, maintaining regulatory compliance, assuring quality control of on-air product, and documenting transmission events. This position involves ingesting commercials and programs, timing them and making sure they all play on air properly. The candidate will generally work 40 hours per week and must be available for morning and weekend shifts. This role reports to the Operations Manager.

Responsibilities:

  • Floor directing, camera/studio operator, and digital editing
  • Coordinate live and taped programming for broadcast
  • Maintain professional appearance of studio/sets
  • Maintaining on air operation to include running commercials, network, and local programming
  • Monitors multiple channels to ensure regulatory compliance and quality signals
  • Operate Harris Automation equipment  
  • Follow FCC monitoring and EAS procedures    
  • Observing transmitters and taking readings
  • Executes, edits, updates, and appends playlists
  • Report's equipment issues and transmission discrepancies                 
  • In person attendance required

Requirements:

  • Must have computer and software experience
  • Prior exposure to television station operations and newscast production a plus.
  • Hearst Television is a proud supporter of military veterans. Related military training and experience will be considered. 
  • Attention to details is imperative and able to multi-task
  • Operational knowledge and experience with master control activities and functions a plus.
  • Bilingual a Plus
  • Aptitude for operating electronic equipment for broadcast and production requirements.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

  • Medical | Dental | Vision
  • 401(k) matching
  • Emotional Wellness Support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • LGBTQ+ Health Services
  • Additional benefits to meet you and your family's needs

The estimated base salary range for this role is between $43,000 and $48,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. 

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Hearst employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply