Communications Technology/Technician
What Communications Technology/Technician Graduates Do
Your career could start in a darkened edit suite, piecing together raw footage with software like Adobe Premiere Pro to create a compelling story for a commercial or documentary. Or, you might be on your feet, setting up complex audio-visual systems—microphones, cameras, and live-streaming gear—for corporate events or broadcast productions. Entry-level roles often involve assisting senior technicians or editors, learning the ropes by running cables, logging media, or performing initial cuts.
With a few years of experience, you’ll take the lead on projects, becoming an independent editor, a lead broadcast technician, or a go-to AV specialist. Demand is strongest for film and video editors and other media workers, where new content and live events are always needed. While starting salaries are solid, top-tier specialists and those who launch their own production or event technology companies can earn significantly more. AI tools are emerging to assist with tasks like transcription or generating rough edits, but the creative decision-making and hands-on technical problem-solving remain firmly in human hands.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 6 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Communications Technology/Technician. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Audio Operator
RAPIDS 879 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $37K – $53,920 – $80K | -2.8% |
|
Digital Video Editor (Existing Title: Film Or Video Tape Editor)
RAPIDS 2070CB |
Competency | Competency | $50K – $70,980 – $102K | 4.0% |
|
Field Engineer (Radio & Tv)
RAPIDS 960 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $37K – $53,920 – $80K | -2.8% |
|
Film Or Videotape Editor
RAPIDS 127 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $50K – $70,980 – $102K | 4.0% |
|
Recording Engineer
RAPIDS 926 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $48K – $66,430 – $100K | -1.7% |
|
Sound Mixer
RAPIDS 527 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $48K – $66,430 – $100K | -1.7% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Communications Technology/Technician
4 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield, MO |
44 42–45 |
$32,713/yr | 32.3x |
| 2 | Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville, TN |
38 33–40 |
$25,754/yr | 38.1x |
| 3 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL |
28 24–30 |
$23,799/yr | 8.0x |
| 4 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL |
23 19–25 |
$14,274/yr | 1.7x |
Highest Earning Communications Technology/Technician Programs
Schools where Communications Technology/Technician graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $32,713/yr | 44 |
| Pellissippi State Community College | $25,754/yr | 38 |
| Full Sail University | $23,799/yr | 28 |
| Full Sail University | $14,274/yr | 23 |
Best ROI for Communications Technology/Technician
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Communications Technology/Technician.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pellissippi State Community College | 38.1x | $25,754/yr | 38 |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | 32.3x | $32,713/yr | 44 |
| Full Sail University | 8.0x | $23,799/yr | 28 |
| Full Sail University | 1.7x | $14,274/yr | 23 |
Related Majors
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Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Communications Technology/Technician degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.