Audio and Video Technician

Your Fit

Income

$55K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

4.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Audio and Video Technician?

An Audio and Video Technician is a professional responsible for setting up, operating, maintaining, and repairing equipment used for audio and video productions. This includes handling soundboards, microphones, video screens, projectors, and recording equipment, often for events, broadcasts, or studio productions.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Audio and Video Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Audio and Video Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$44K per year	$55K per year	$74K per year	$98K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $5.33K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Audio and Video Technician do?

Work environment

Audio and Video Technicians typically work in various settings such as television and radio studios, concert halls, conference centers, theaters, and on film sets. The job can involve working indoors and outdoors, with variable hours including evenings and weekends depending on the nature of the production or event.

Quick task list

Sets up and operates audio and video equipment.
Conducts sound and image quality checks.
Troubleshoots and resolves technical issues.
Maintains and repairs AV equipment.
Coordinates with directors, producers, and other technical staff.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Live Sound Engineering: Focusing on managing sound for live events like concerts and conferences.
Broadcast Technician: Specializing in equipment for television and radio broadcasting.
Video Production: Handling video recording and editing for various productions.
Studio Technician: Working within a studio setting, managing both audio and video equipment.
Field Technician: Specializing in outdoor or on-location audio and video setups.

Description

Audio and Video Technicians are essential in the production of high-quality sound and visual experiences. They require a strong technical knowledge of audio and video equipment, an understanding of acoustics, and often, skills in editing and mixing. Technicians must be quick problem-solvers, able to address technical issues swiftly to avoid disruptions during live events or productions.

The role requires a combination of technical expertise and creativity. Technicians must keep up with the latest technology trends and be comfortable working with a variety of hardware and software. Good communication skills are vital, as they often work in teams and must understand the needs of clients, directors, or artists to achieve the desired audiovisual outcome.

This career can be very dynamic and rewarding, offering opportunities to work on diverse projects and events. It's ideal for those who enjoy technology, are passionate about audio and video production, and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being an integral part of creating memorable audiovisual experiences.
Opportunities to work on a variety of projects with different technical demands.
The dynamic nature of the work, offering new challenges and learning opportunities.
Seeing the immediate impact of your work on a production or event.

You might make a good Audio and Video Technician if you are...

Technically savvy, with a keen interest in audio and video equipment.
Detail-oriented, ensuring high-quality sound and visual production.
A problem solver, able to quickly address and fix technical issues.
Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment.
Flexible and adaptable to work in different settings and schedules.

Pros:

Varied work environments and projects.
Opportunities to work with the latest technology in audio and video production.
Creative satisfaction in contributing to the production of events and media.

Cons:

Potentially irregular hours, with evening and weekend work common.
Physically demanding work, often involving setting up and moving heavy equipment.
The need for constant learning to keep up with technological advancements.

How to become an Audio and Video Technician

Typical education

Most positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but a post-secondary education in fields like audiovisual technology, broadcasting, or a related field, typically a 2-year associate degree, is increasingly preferred by employers.

High school preparation

Courses:

Technical courses in electronics, computer science, or media production.
Art and design to develop a creative understanding of visual productions.
Physics or other sciences for a basic understanding of sound and light.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining or starting an AV club at school.
Volunteering for school events that require sound and video setup.
Working on school theater productions or local community events.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate degree or vocational training in audiovisual technology, broadcasting, or related fields.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or part-time work in settings like local television stations, theaters, or concert venues.
Consider obtaining certifications from professional organizations such as the Audio Engineering Society (AES) or the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE).
Build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your technical skills and versatility.

More resources

Audio Engineering Society (AES) - Provides resources, events, and networking opportunities for audio professionals.
Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) - Offers certification programs and resources for broadcast engineers.
InfoComm International - A global association for AV professionals, offering training, certification, and industry resources.
Behind the Mixer - Offers advice, tutorials, and community support for those interested in live sound engineering.

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