Career Overview
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
Also Known As
- Audio Visual Specialist (AV Specialist)
- AV Tech (Audio Visual Technician)
- Media Technician
- Operations Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Audio Installer
- Audio Technician
- Audio Video Technician
- Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician
- Audio Visual Installer (AV Installer)
- Audio Visual Specialist (AV Specialist)
- AV Installation Tech (Audiovisual Installation Technician)
- AV Production Specialist (Audio Visual Production Specialist)
- AV Specialist (Audiovisual Specialist)
- AV Tech (Audio Visual Technician)
- AV Tech (Audiovisual Technician)
- Communications Equipment Operating Technician
- Event AV Operator (Event Audio Visual Operator)
- Event Crew Technician
- Event Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
- Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
- Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
- Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Operate drones for aerial videography and photography during live events or for pre-recorded material.
- Purchase audio or video equipment.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Telecommunications
- Fine Arts
- Engineering and Technology
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Visual Color Discrimination
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
- Adaptability
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Cisco Webex
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools & Equipment
- Assistive amplification systems
- Audio presentation systems
- Audioconferencing systems
- Audiovisual A/V mixers
- Cassette players
- Claw hammers
- Compact disk CD burners or players
- Desktop computers
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital camcorders
- Digital oscilloscopes
- Digital video cameras
- Digital video disk DVD players
- Digital voltmeters DVM
- Integrated speaker systems
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $35,290 |
| Median | $54,830 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $98,190 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 70,080
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Broadcast Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $53,920
Sound Engineering Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $66,430
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $68,810
Lighting Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $60,560
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $77,180
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.