Audio and Video Technicians
Audio and video technicians set up, operate, and maintain equipment like microphones, speakers, cameras, and mixing boards for live events and recordings. They work in venues such as concert halls, television studios, convention centers, theaters, and broadcast facilities, ensuring equipment functions properly before, during, and after events.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against audio and video technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves testing and installing audio-video gear before events, troubleshooting equipment during live performances or recordings, and breaking down systems afterward. Technicians may spend time running cable, adjusting sound levels at mixing boards, monitoring video feeds on multiple screens, and coordinating with other crew members to solve technical problems as they arise.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on, practical work and like following established procedures and standards. You're detail-oriented, comfortable with technical equipment, and enjoy working behind the scenes to make events run smoothly.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $57,170 | $78,770 | $104,240 | 830 |
| New Jersey | $55,840 | $71,040 | $82,420 | 2,280 |
| Maryland | $55,480 | $70,040 | $80,770 | 1,770 |
| Washington | $57,720 | $69,270 | $84,680 | 1,360 |
| New York | $53,780 | $67,600 | $92,760 | 7,990 |
| California | $48,230 | $64,620 | $87,450 | 9,280 |
| Rhode Island | $53,330 | $64,070 | $79,570 | 150 |
| Nevada | $52,350 | $62,770 | $77,860 | 1,580 |
| Connecticut | $48,650 | $62,120 | $80,210 | 820 |
| Alaska | $50,860 | $62,060 | $82,230 | 70 |
| Illinois | $42,320 | $60,740 | $84,350 | 3,020 |
| Hawaii | $46,450 | $60,150 | $66,980 | 430 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Video Security Systems Technician I — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Video Security Systems Technician II — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Security Systems: Video Security Systems Technician - Level III — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Commercial Audio Technician (CAT) — ETA International
- Home Entertainment Residential Audio/Video Systems — C-Tech Associates Inc.
- Audio-Video Forensic Analyst (AVFA) — ETA International
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against audio and video technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-4011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.