Sound Engineer
Record, mix and master sound for music, film, broadcast and live events.
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Arts, Media & Design career
Audio and Video Technician
Also called: AV Technician · Event Technician · Media Technician · Production Technician
What audio and video technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an audio and video technician do?
Audio and video technicians set up, operate and maintain equipment for live events, meetings, conferences, broadcasts and recordings. The median pay is $58,100 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–12 months, and employment is projected to grow +3.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$58,100$27.93/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.9%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year6,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train3–12 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs87,600Employment, 2025
What audio and video technicians do
AV technicians make events work. They set up microphones, speakers, projectors, LED walls, cameras and streaming systems, run audio and video during presentations and concerts, troubleshoot problems and pack equipment afterward. They work at hotels, convention centers, churches, schools, corporations and production companies.
Many technicians complete a certificate program or learn on the job. AVIXA’s CTS certification is widely recognized. Demand is steady, especially for hybrid and streamed events.
Typical duties
- Set up audio, video and lighting equipment
- Run sound and video during events
- Operate streaming and recording systems
- Troubleshoot technical problems
- Test and maintain equipment
- Coordinate with clients and presenters
- Strike and pack equipment
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in event venues, offices, schools, churches and studios, often lifting equipment and working long days.
Schedule: Event work means early mornings, evenings and weekends.
A day in the life
- Load in equipment at a hotel ballroom.
- Set up projectors, screens and microphones.
- Run a sound check with presenters.
- Run audio and video for the keynote.
See a full day in the life of an audio and video technician →
Audio and Video Technician salary
Half of audio and video technicians earned more than $58,100 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,990 for the lowest 10% to $100,650 for the top 10%.
Full audio and video technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an audio and video technician
- Learn AV basics
- Take a certificate program
- Get hands-on experience
- Earn the CTS
- Advance
A postsecondary certificate is common; many technicians learn on the job.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an audio and video technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Audio mixing
- Video switching
- Projection and displays
- Streaming systems
- Troubleshooting
People skills
- Calm under pressure
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
All audio and video technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Variety of events
- Hands-on tech work
- Certificate entry
- Hybrid event demand
Cons
- Long event days
- Lifting heavy gear
- Pressure during live events
- Irregular schedules
Certifications and licenses
- AVIXA CTS: Certified Technology Specialist.
- Dante certification: Audio networking.
- Manufacturer certifications: Such as Crestron or Extron.
- OSHA 10: Safety training for event work.
Career path
- Stagehand or AV Assistant: Help set up events.
- AV Technician: Run events.
- Lead Technician: Lead crews.
- AV Project Manager or Director: Manage AV operations.
Learn the job before day one
Our Audio and Video Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as set up a presentation system and mic a presenter, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: AV Technician vs. Sound Engineer · AV Technician vs. Lighting Technician · AV Technician vs. Camera Operator · AV Technician vs. Computer Repair Technician
Audio and Video Technician FAQ
Do AV techs need a degree?
Not usually.
What is the CTS?
AVIXA’s Certified Technology Specialist credential.
Is AV work steady?
Yes, especially in hotels, corporations and venues.
How much does an audio and video technician make?
The median annual wage for audio and video technicians was $58,100 ($27.93 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,990 and the highest 10% earned more than $100,650.
How long does it take to become an audio and video technician?
Most people need about 3–12 months of training. A postsecondary certificate is common; many technicians learn on the job.
Do you need a degree to be an audio and video technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More audio and video technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-4011 (Audio and video technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Audio and video technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.