Occupation · SOC 27-4011
Audio and Video Technicians
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.
Median wage
$54,830
$35,290–$98,190
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
70,080
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
246 mapped
Core skills
MonitoringReading ComprehensionOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingCoordinationService Orientation
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsCommunications and MediaEnglish LanguageTelecommunicationsFine Arts
Technology & tools
Video creation and editing softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
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.Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.Reserve audio-visual equipment and facilities, such as meeting rooms.Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.Perform narration of productions or present announcements.Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.Analyze and maintain data logs for audio-visual activities.Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic audio and video equipment — identify and connect under direct supervision in a studio or live-event setting.Equipment malfunctions and signal issues — recognize and report to supervisors promptly during production setup.Electronic cables, connectors, and patch bays — label and route according to established diagrams on a broadcast or event job site.Audio recording software — operate at a basic level to capture single-track material under technician guidance in a recording studio.Video input sources — switch between cameras or pre-recorded feeds following a rundown sheet under direct supervision.Equipment manuals and technical bulletins — read and apply basic procedures to configure standard AV hardware in a production environment.Lighting consoles and sound boards — power on, check levels, and reset to preset configurations before a live event.Digital media files — compress, duplicate, and store audio and video data using standard software on a production workstation.Checklists and equipment logs — complete accurately to support pre-show and post-show equipment accountability for a live or studio event.Verbal instructions from directors and senior technicians — listen actively and follow through on assigned tasks during a broadcast or live performance.
developing
Audio and video media systems — diagnose common signal-flow problems and apply corrective adjustments with minimal supervision in a live or studio environment.Electronic equipment for recording and editing — install, adjust, and operate routinely to produce broadcast-ready program segments.Soundtracks and dialogue tracks — record and edit using digital audio workstation software to meet production specifications for film or video projects.Live concert and event lighting and sound — control and balance before, during intermissions, and after performances according to the show plot.Video input switching — execute smooth transitions between cameras, film, and network or local programming feeds during a live broadcast.Audio and video data — digitize, encode, and archive in multiple formats to meet project delivery requirements on a production timeline.Junior assistants and production support personnel — coordinate task assignments and monitor progress during routine production activities.Video conferencing and multimedia presentation systems — configure and operate for corporate or institutional clients with reduced oversight.Equipment repair needs — evaluate severity, document findings, and escalate major issues to engineering or vendor support in a timely manner.Production schedules and technical riders — read, interpret, and translate requirements into equipment setup plans for events of moderate complexity.
proficient
Complex media system failures — diagnose and resolve autonomously under time pressure during live broadcasts or high-stakes productions.Full audio signal chain — design, configure, and operate from source to output across diverse venues including concert halls, broadcast studios, and conference centers.Multi-camera video production — manage input switching, graphic overlays, and format conversion for live television or webcast programming without supervision.Audio recording and post-production — record, edit, mix, and master soundtracks and voice-overs to professional broadcast or theatrical standards.Lighting and sound systems for large-scale events — program, cue, and operate across the full arc of a production including pre-show, performance, and strike.Video creation and editing software — use advanced features to assemble, color-correct, and export finished multimedia content for broadcast or online distribution.Technical production documentation — author equipment specifications, signal-flow diagrams, and post-show reports to support future productions and quality review.Vendor and rental equipment — evaluate, select, and integrate third-party gear into existing infrastructure to meet non-routine production requirements.Cross-functional production teams — coordinate with directors, producers, and stage managers to align technical execution with creative vision on complex projects.Compression codecs, streaming protocols, and storage systems — apply expert knowledge to optimize quality and reliability of digital media delivery pipelines.
advanced
Departmental technical standards and workflows — establish and maintain for audio, video, and lighting operations across an organization or production company.Junior and mid-level AV technicians — mentor, evaluate, and develop through structured coaching, performance feedback, and on-the-job training programs.Capital equipment acquisition plans — research, recommend, and justify investments in broadcast, live-event, or multimedia infrastructure to senior leadership.Organization-wide media technology strategy — design and lead implementation to support evolving production formats, platforms, and business objectives.Complex multi-venue or multi-platform productions — oversee technical direction and resource allocation to ensure consistent quality and schedule adherence.Risk and contingency plans for live productions — develop and enforce protocols covering equipment failure, safety incidents, and broadcast emergencies.Cross-departmental collaboration — lead coordination among engineering, creative, IT, and facilities teams to deliver integrated AV solutions at organizational scale.Industry standards and regulatory requirements — interpret and ensure organizational compliance with broadcast licensing, signal specifications, and accessibility mandates.Vendor partnerships and service-level agreements — negotiate and manage to optimize cost, reliability, and support for critical production technology assets.Emerging AV technologies — evaluate, pilot, and champion adoption of innovations such as IP-based broadcast infrastructure and immersive audio formats to advance organizational capability.
Also known as
257 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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