Career Discovery Tool
Your email has not been verified. Verify email now ›

Audio and Video Equipment Technician

Overview and Key Facts

audio booth
Education
Education
Post high school credential
Median Pay
Median Pay
$54,830
Job Growth
Job Growth
3.30%
(US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
95,400

What Do They Do?

An audio and video equipment technician could...

 
conference room
Install and maintain video projection equipment in a corporate conference room.
volcano
Choose and install specialized video cameras to capture a rare volcanic eruption for a documentary.
jumbotron in sports stadium
Keep the Jumbotron and speaker systems at a stadium in working order.
microphones set up for a press conference
Set up the microphones and audio equipment for a national press conference.
 
conference room volcano jumbotron in sports stadium microphones set up for a press conference

Overview Listen to this section

Ever wondered who makes sure the Jumbotron works at the super bowl? Or that the microphones work at a presidential inauguration? These are the tasks of an audio and video equipment technician. Audio and video equipment technicians work to set up and operate audio and video equipment, including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, and recording equipment.
Watch this video to see real audio and video equipment technicians in action!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPA7GSvRlnc

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Audio and Video Equipment Technician?


  1. Monitoring: ?
  2. Reading Comprehension: ?
  3. Critical Thinking: ?
  4. Operations Monitoring: ?
  5. Complex Problem Solving: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Audio and Video Equipment Technician might do:
  • Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
  • Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
  • Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
  • Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
  • Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
  • Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
  • Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
  • Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
  • Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance.
  • Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audio-visual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Audio and Video Equipment Technician Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Audio and Video Equipment Technician jobs (3.30%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming an Audio and Video Equipment Technician

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Audio and video equipment technicians generally need a high school diploma. Many recent entrants have a community college degree or other form of postsecondary degrees, although they are not always required. These technicians may substitute on-the-job training for formal education requirements. Many audio and video technicians learn through long-term, on-the-job training, which can last from 1 to several years, depending on the specifics of their job. Working in a studio as an assistant is a good way to gain experience and knowledge.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Post high school credential ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

A high school diploma is generally needed for a job as an audio and video equipment technician. In addition, on-the-job training or an associate's degree through a technical school or community college is recommended.

Companies That Hire Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

Read quick profiles of many AV interns, including some who were able to earn money during college with AV work.
The hands-on aspects of AV work mean that Holly can avoid being "forced to sit in a room and learn. 
Holly Clausen, AV Intern

Nature of the Work

Audio and video equipment technicians set up and operate audio and video equipment, including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, and recording equipment. They also connect wires and cables and set up and operate sound and mixing boards and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. They might also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.

Audio and video equipment technicians are important for the successful implementation of many types of entertainment, including television, radio, movies, concerts, and theater. They might also work in corporate environments, setting up equipment for product demonstrations, press conferences, and in-person or virtual meetings.

Work Environment

Audio and video equipment technicians work in a wide variety of settings, which can be either indoors or outside, depending on the specifics of the job. Indoor jobs are often in studios, on television or movie sets, in concert halls or theaters, at corporations, in conference halls, or in auditoriums. Audio and video equipment technicians working to film live news or outdoor events, like concerts or sports games, might have to contend with difficult weather conditions.

Some audio and video equipment jobs are normal 40-hour work weeks, but many are odd hours, depending on movie production schedules, news events, and entertainment schedules.

More Information

Ask Questions

Do you have a specific question about a career as an Audio and Video Equipment Technician that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

Sources

Top
Quick Links X
Free science fair projects.