Life As an Audio or Video Equipment Technician
Occupation Description Set up, or set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. May also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.
A Day in the Life of an Audio or Video Equipment Technician
- Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
- Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
- Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.
- Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
- Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.
- Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
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Audio or Video Equipment Technician Needed Skills
These are the skills Audio and Video Equipment Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles
- Projector Operator
- Sound Controller
- Video Control Operator
- Video Operator
- Sight Effects Specialist
Job Opportunities for Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
There were about 83,300 jobs for Audio or Video Equipment Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,700 new jobs for Audio or Video Equipment Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,000 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Audio or Video Equipment Technician are North Dakota, Utah, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Alaska, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Audio or Video Equipment Technician Salary
The salary for Audio and Video Equipment Technicians ranges between about $25,590 and $80,130 a year.

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Massachusetts, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Audio and Video Equipment Technicians in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,720 |
Alaska | $42,760 |
Arizona | $46,710 |
Arkansas | $35,500 |
California | $56,710 |
Colorado | $49,170 |
Connecticut | $55,130 |
Delaware | $46,570 |
District of Columbia | $65,090 |
Florida | $44,670 |
Georgia | $45,120 |
Hawaii | $54,720 |
Idaho | $39,060 |
Illinois | $43,590 |
Indiana | $38,190 |
Iowa | $39,290 |
Kansas | $46,320 |
Kentucky | $37,250 |
Louisiana | $49,080 |
Maine | $41,450 |
Maryland | $47,340 |
Massachusetts | $53,910 |
Michigan | $40,470 |
Minnesota | $47,180 |
Mississippi | $33,220 |
Missouri | $44,510 |
Montana | $37,390 |
Nebraska | $37,270 |
Nevada | $53,570 |
New Hampshire | $45,700 |
New Jersey | $53,950 |
New Mexico | $50,200 |
New York | $55,140 |
North Carolina | $46,650 |
North Dakota | $49,370 |
Ohio | $39,600 |
Oklahoma | $36,610 |
Oregon | $45,750 |
Pennsylvania | $45,890 |
Rhode Island | $47,290 |
South Carolina | $51,490 |
South Dakota | $32,010 |
Tennessee | $47,660 |
Texas | $41,680 |
Utah | $44,150 |
Vermont | $40,410 |
Virginia | $50,030 |
Washington | $49,970 |
West Virginia | $33,450 |
Wisconsin | $37,740 |
Wyoming | $41,260 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Audio and Video Equipment Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Linux
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Blackboard
- Adobe Systems Adobe Flash
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Voice over internet protocol VoiP system software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Flash Player
- Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
Becoming an Audio or Video Equipment Technician
Individuals working as an Audio or Video Equipment Technician have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Audio or Video Equipment Technician?

Where do Audio and Video Equipment Technicians Work?

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being an Audio or Video Equipment Technician may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Joalpe via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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