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 SolvingWritingSpeakingService OrientationCoordinationActive ListeningTime ManagementSystems AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessOperation and ControlJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningSystems EvaluationQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingTroubleshootingLearning StrategiesEquipment SelectionPersuasionNegotiationInstallationEquipment MaintenanceRepairingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignProgrammingMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesScience
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsCommunications and MediaEnglish LanguageTelecommunicationsFine ArtsEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and ManagementDesignMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsLaw and GovernmentPersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingAdministrativePsychologyTransportationSociology and AnthropologyBuilding and ConstructionGeographySales and MarketingHistory and ArcheologyChemistryPhilosophy and TheologyEconomics and AccountingTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryBiologyForeign LanguageFood Production
Technology & tools
Adobe After EffectsAdobe DreamweaverAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopApple Final Cut ProApple iMovieBlackboard softwareCisco IOSCisco WebexComputer aided design CAD softwareCorel Ulead DVD WorkshopLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft TeamsMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordVoice over internet protocol VoIP system softwareWeb browser softwareYouTubeZoom
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkScheduling Work and ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording InformationProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesTraining and Teaching OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesCoaching and Developing OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesStaffing Organizational Units
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
35 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Audio InstallerAudio TechnicianAudio Video TechnicianAudio Visual Communications Systems TechnicianAudio 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 TechnicianEvent AV Operator (Event Audio Visual Operator)Event Crew TechnicianEvent TechnicianLow Voltage Technician (Low Voltage Tech)Media TechnicianMusic, Sound, and Light TechnicianOperations TechnicianProjector OperatorService Technician (Service Tech)Sight Effects SpecialistSound ControllerStage TechnicianStagehandTheater TechnicianVideo Control OperatorVideo Equipment TechnicianVideo InstallerVideo OperatorVideo Production AssistantVideo Production SpecialistVideo Projection TechnicianVideo TechnicianVideo Teleconferencing Technician (VTC Tech)