How To Become A Master Control Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a master control operator and how to become one

Updated April 25, 2024

6 min read

A master control operator is a professional who manages the technical aspects of radio and television broadcasts. They ensure the quality and accuracy of the transmission of these programs, record and document various video feeds, and perform all playback and monitoring functions for the origination of multiple satellite broadcast channels. They also monitor and adjust on-air signals using state-of-the-art equipment such as spectrum analyzers, video waveform monitors, and audio/video/data analyzers. They maintain daily program logs, monitor transmitter performance, and collaborate with executive producers to complete editing for media products. They also maintain the integrity of the broadcast, adhering to federal guidelines and regulations.

How long does it takes to become a master control operator?

It takes approximately 2-4 years to become a master control operator:

Years 1-2: Earn an associate's degree in a relevant field, such as broadcast technology, electronics, or communications.
Years 2-4: Accumulate the necessary work experience in monitoring and adjusting incoming and outgoing signals, maintaining programming logs, and ensuring technical quality control of broadcasts.

Salary$52,528

Growth Rate10%

Jobs Number70,063

Job Satisfaction

Most Common SkillTransmitters

Most Common DegreeBachelor's degree

Best StateMaryland

Master Control Operator career paths

Master control operators can pursue various career paths, including video editing, production management, and technical operations management. As a master control operator, you can leverage your technical skills to excel in these roles and oversee the final stages of video production. You can also use your attention to detail to ensure the quality of the final product, making you a valuable asset in any production team. With experience and further education, you can move up the ranks and become a producer or production director, overseeing the entire production process and making important creative and financial decisions.

Key steps to become a master control operator

Explore master control operator education requirements

The educational requirements for a master control operator are typically an Associate degree, with some positions requiring a High School Diploma or Certificate. According to the data, 69.99% of master control operators have an Associate degree, 17.42% have a High School Diploma, and 10.2% have a Certificate.

Certifications such as Certified Television Operator, Master Certified Electronics Technician, and CompTIA Network+ can also be beneficial. Popular majors for this field include Communication, Photography, Digital Media, Journalism, and Audiovisual Communications Technologies. Some of the top schools for these programs are New York University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University in the City of New York, and Northwestern University.

Most common master control operator degrees

Bachelor's

62.2 %

Associate

23.7 %

High School Diploma

6.4 %

Start to develop specific master control operator skills

Master control operators are responsible for monitoring on-air signals to ensure quality control and compliance with federal regulations. They operate studio camera equipment and perform voice-overs for commercials. They also troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and collaborate with executive producers to complete editing for media products. They maintain programming logs and monitor the quality and accuracy of on-air signals for campus television station broadcasts. They communicate with producers to coordinate during live events and operate audio boards and cameras during live coverage.

Skills	Percentages
Transmitters	8.62%
Troubleshoot	8.43%
FCC	7.88%
Ingest	6.30%
Audio Board	5.44%

Complete relevant master control operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New master control operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a master control operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real master control operator resumes.

Research master control operator duties and responsibilities

Master control operators are responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of on-air signals. They monitor and adjust on-air signals using state-of-the-art equipment and maintain daily program logs. They also communicate with producers to coordinate during live events and monitor hd/sd video/ audio signals. They are also responsible for preparing discrepancy reports describing problems encountered during transmission of programs/station breaks and reason for problems.

Design social networking app with routing using Java, TCP/IP and UDP/IP.
Organize and prioritize daily network programming needs, troubleshoot on-air emergencies and equipment malfunctions.
Create an integrate training program to teach all nuclear operators new instrumentation and control systems base on digital logic versus analog.
Monitor ABC and local programming.

Prepare your master control operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your master control operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a master control operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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