Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other.: The DTI for this program is 62.6%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $27570) to the average debt ($17250) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 62.6%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($27570) against the typical student debt ($17250), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $27570, and with an average debt of $17250, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.63—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 188 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other (CIP 10.9999) is a specialized category for programs that train individuals to support and manage the technical side of communication. While traditional degrees might focus on just one medium, this "Other" designation applies to interdisciplinary programs that blend digital media production, telecommunications, and information technology. It is designed for those who want to be the technical experts behind the scenes of modern media.
This field is ideal for students who are "technical creatives"—people who enjoy using complex machinery and software to help tell stories or share information. It is a path for problem-solvers who want to ensure that whether it is a live news broadcast or a corporate video conference, the technology works perfectly.
What Is a Communications Technologies (Other) Degree?
A Communications Technologies (Other) degree focuses on the equipment and systems used to create and transmit media. It bridges the gap between the creative artist and the systems engineer. Programs in this category often focus on emerging tech, such as virtual production, high-end streaming infrastructure, or specialized audiovisual (AV) integration for large-scale venues like stadiums or smart offices.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train technicians to operate professional-grade cameras, lighting, and sound consoles
- Prepare individuals to manage the digital "pipelines" that move video and audio across the internet
- Develop specialists in technical writing and instructional design
- Address the growing need for AV managers who can oversee complex communication systems in global corporations
What Will You Learn?
Students learn the mechanics of how light and sound are captured, digitized, and distributed to audiences around the world.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master professional editing software for video and audio (such as Adobe Premiere or Pro Tools)
- Set up and troubleshoot complex signal paths for live broadcasts and events
- Manage "Digital Assets" (storing and organizing thousands of media files safely)
- Understand the physics of acoustics and lighting to create professional environments
- Design user-friendly interfaces for digital communication tools
- Write technical documentation that explains how to use new communication systems
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is usually a mix of hands-on technical training and media theory:
- Advanced Video Production: Lighting, cinematography, and multi-camera directing.
- Audio Engineering: Recording, mixing, and mastering sound for different platforms.
- Networked Media: How to stream high-quality video over the internet without delay.
- Media Law & Ethics: Learning about copyright, privacy, and digital rights management.
- Technical Management: Budgeting for equipment and leading production teams.
- Interactive Media: Developing content for web, mobile, and virtual reality.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates often fill roles that require a high level of technical mastery combined with an understanding of media production.
Common job roles include:
- Broadcast Technician: Ensuring radio and TV signals are transmitted correctly.
- AV Integration Specialist: Designing and installing tech for smart boardrooms or theaters.
- Multimedia Producer: Overseeing the technical side of digital content creation.
- Sound Engineer: Managing audio for concerts, films, or podcasts.
- Video Editor: Shaping raw footage into a finished, professional product.
- Technical Director: Leading the crew during a live television or event broadcast.
Where Can You Work?
You will find these professionals in any industry that values high-quality communication:
- Television and Film Studios: In both production and post-production departments.
- Major Corporations: Managing internal global communications and event tech.
- Event Venues: Working at stadiums, convention centers, and theaters.
- Advertising Agencies: Creating high-tech digital ads and interactive experiences.
- Government & Education: Managing media labs and public information channels.
- Freelance: Many technicians run their own businesses as independent contractors.
How Much Can You Earn?
Salaries in this field vary based on your level of technical specialization and the industry you enter.
- Broadcast and Sound Technicians: Median annual salary of approximately $55,000–$65,000.
- Video Editors: Median annual salary of around $63,000–$75,000.
- AV Managers: Salaries typically range from $70,000 to $95,000.
- Technical Directors: In major markets, salaries can exceed $110,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is less about "book learning" and more about technical precision and timing. You must be comfortable working with expensive, delicate equipment and be able to fix problems in seconds during a live event. It requires a "cool head" under pressure and the physical stamina to work long hours on production sets or at event sites.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love gadgets, cameras, and gear
- Enjoy "making things" and seeing a final creative product
- Are the person who always helps others set up their tech or sound systems
- Want a career that is hands-on rather than sitting at a desk all day
- Are interested in the intersection of art and engineering
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Computer Science, Art, and Physics
- Join your school's AV club, theater tech crew, or media team
- Practice editing your own videos or recording your own audio projects
- Learn the basics of how the internet works (networking and Wi-Fi)
- Volunteer to run the sound or video for local events or church services
A combination of technical curiosity and a desire to facilitate human connection through media is the key to success in this versatile field.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor