Why We Love It
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$46,630Potential Avg. Salary
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12%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Don't Take Work HomeCareer Attribute
Audio visual (AV) technicians set up the equipment used to broadcast images and sound. They may work to set up equipment for live events like concerts, sporting events, and news conferences, or they may assist with setting up equipment needed for presentations at businesses, schools, or colleges.
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What is an Audio Visual Technician?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in audio visual technician roles:
- Set up and install equipment used to broadcast images and sound at live events
- Set up and install equipment needed to give presentations at businesses and schools
- Troubleshoot equipment when issues occur, resolve installation errors, or replace faulty equipment
- Work with various pieces of equipment like microphones, speakers, projectors, video screens, sound boards, and spotlights
A Day in the Life
Audio visual (AV) technicians are responsible for setting up and installing the equipment used to broadcast images and sound at live events, in classrooms, and for meetings and presentations at businesses. They install and set up equipment like microphones, speakers, projectors, video screens, sound boards, and spotlights that enable audiences to hear and see everything that’s happening—even from great distances. They install, test, and adjust equipment to create ideal auditory and visual experiences for an audience.
Some AV technicians work for news stations, musicians, conference centers, or sports stadiums/arenas and work to install and adjust AV equipment for live events. These AV technicians cater installations to the type of live event being broadcast and to the needs and requests of presenters and performers. For example, a news conference may only need microphones and speakers set up, but a concert may require various forms of lighting, projectors, and sound and mixing boards.
Other AV techs work for schools, colleges, and businesses and help teachers, students, and staff prepare for meetings or presentations. In these roles, AV technicians serve both as equipment installers and technical support staff. They may set up initial equipment for a video conferencing room that can be used by all members of a business’ staff, but they’re also required to provide troubleshooting and assistance when users struggle with equipment. This may include educating users to how to use equipment, resolving installation errors, or troubleshooting and repairing/replacing faulty equipment.
Typical Work Schedule
Most AV technician roles are full-time positions, but irregular work hours may be required. AV technicians who work for schools, colleges, and businesses may work during normal business hours, but those that work live events commonly work evenings or weekends to complete set up responsibilities.
Typical Employers
Audio visual technicians may work for a number of businesses across various industries. The top employers include movie industry businesses, commercial equipment rental companies, radio and TV broadcasting companies, colleges and universities, and event promotion companies.
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How To Become an Audio Visual Technician
No formal higher education is required to work as an audio video technician—many AV techs have only a high school diploma. However, some formal knowledge or training is usually required to qualify for entry-level positions in the field. There are a variety of ways to build your AV tech knowledge so you can qualify for open positions.
Some students volunteer to assist with AV work while in high school, or join an AV club. This introduces students to the basics of setting up audio and visual equipment in classrooms and businesses, and teaches students how to properly install, troubleshoot, and repair minor AV equipment. However, if your high school does not have an AV club, there are other ways to get experience in the field.
Another option is to pursue a certificate in audio visual technology from a community or technical college or trade school. These postsecondary programs generally last less than a year and provide students with a thorough education on the set up, maintenance, and repair of the most common types of equipment used by an AV technician.
If neither of the above options suits your tastes, you can also gain experience in the field by volunteering as a roadie and helping bands set up and take down equipment for shows, or you may be able to find an apprenticeship under an experienced AV technician. With the right knowledge and professional experience in the field through any of these sources, you should qualify for entry-level positions in the field.
Audio Visual Technician Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$30,490Average
$46,630High Range
$77,440National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$15/hrAverage
$22/hrHigh Range
$37/hrHow do Audio Visual Technician salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Audio Visual Technician's can make an average annual salary of $46,630, or $22 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $30,490 or $15 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#429 Nationally for All Careers
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming an Audio Visual Technician. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Audio Visual Technicians
- 0.6% Doctorate
- 3.8% Masters
- 32.9% Bachelors
- 16.2% Associates
- 28.4% College
- 14.8% High School
- 3.1% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
70,9002024 Est. Jobs
79,400Job Growth Rate
12%Est. New Jobs
8,500How does Audio Visual Technician job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 8,500 jobs for a total of 79,400 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 12% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#147 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Audio Visual Technicians
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental and leasing | 6,900 | 1,300 | 1% |
| Self-employed workers | 6,000 | 100 | 0% |
| Television broadcasting | 3,700 | 500 | 1% |
