Despite the creation of recent music platforms such as satellite radio, or music streaming services like Spotify, being a radio board operator is a very important job to the production of many large-scale radio shows and businesses in the music and music sharing industry. Being a radio board operator can be a fulfilling and rewarding job with many different duties and skills anyone with a passion and drive for the job can turn into a career.

Job Duties

Board operators are responsible for a slew of important duties to ensure the best functioning capability of the whole team. Depending on the size of the station, duties can vary but most often revolve around making sure the shows are running smoothly through technical means. Essentially, the operator must control the board as well as perform announcements or control the music. As a board operator, having the knowledge to troubleshoot or fix problems with the board is an essential skill, as well as other technical devices such as editing software, mixing boards, and microphones. The board operator is an important member in making sure any loose ends are tied up to ensure the radio show sounds and runs professionally.

Earnings

According to Glassdoor, the entry-level earnings for a radio operator can start off with the average minimum wage, but this depends on many different factors. Experience and schooling are major players in the kind of operating job an applicant lands. Larger radio shows are apt to hire those with schooling and internship experience, meaning large beginning salaries. Having education and experience is appealing to large radio stations that are looking for operators with the skill and knowledge they can rely on.

Work Environment

The work environment an operator works in again varies on the kind of radio station someone works for. In smaller radio stations, an operator might be responsible for more and helping out in other areas if needed. Thus, an operator can have quite a busy and eventful day working with various areas in the station. Working in a large studio doesn’t necessarily mean a less fulfilling day, the operator may have fewer various tasks, but the ones they are responsible for must be constantly maintained and done with precision. Radio operators may spend hours a day setting up the sound and other aspects of different shows and sets for the station and check it for accuracy before.

Career Requirements

Though it can remain debatable, the way to snatch the best jobs in the industry is by showing genuine interest in becoming a master of your craft. Radio stations, in general, are more likely to take an applicant seriously if they have electronic education and experience, as well as general knowledge and education of board operation as well as internships and experience with actual radio equipment and technology. This can be achieved through self-teaching and time, but professional schooling always appears to companies that someone is serious about a career in a chosen field.

Job Outlook

The specialized skills that it takes to be a professional radio board operator will never be invaluable to the field. Since radio board operators can be responsible for so many tasks involved with creating a professional and smooth-running show, there will always be areas for someone to advance into if they choose in different areas of radio show production. Having years of job experience or internship at a radio station looks great on resumes for other fields in the industry or outside of it as well!

How to Get Started

To get started as a radio board operator, it’s important to understand all of the knowledge and specialized skills it takes to do so. One of the best ways to begin gaining experience is by enrolling in a good school or education system you ensure the best and most current knowledge and technology information for entering the workplace and job market. Showing a general interest in technology and sound equipment is a good start as well, and maybe applying to intern part-time at any local radio shows nearby. Most businesses and radio stations, however, look for education to show a deep interest in turning radio board operator job into a long-term career.

We are the Ohio, Illinois, Colorado or Miami Media Schools, and have locations nationwide including the schools of the Be On air Network in Colorado, that offers a plethora of classes and courses across various careers in the field. If becoming a Radio Board Operator appeals to you, We have courses specialized in the various areas of radio board operation and current technology to ensure students are fully prepared to enter into their careers with the best job opportunities possible. Check out our education information today and sign up to begin your career as a Radio Board Operator!