Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Audio and Video Technician
What audio and video technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Load in equipment at a hotel ballroom. From there, the day usually includes set up audio, video and lighting equipment, run sound and video during events, and operate streaming and recording systems. Event work means early mornings, evenings and weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an audio and video technician working full time.
- 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.
- Switch to a hybrid session with a livestream.
- Troubleshoot a laptop connection issue.
- Strike equipment and load the truck.
Where audio and video technicians work
Technicians work in event venues, offices, schools, churches and studios, often lifting equipment and working long days.
Hours and schedule
Event work means early mornings, evenings and weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Audio mixers
- Microphones and speakers
- Projectors and LED walls
- Video switchers
- Streaming encoders
- Cables and adapters
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Variety of events
- Hands-on tech work
- Certificate entry
- Hybrid event demand
What’s hard
- Long event days
- Lifting heavy gear
- Pressure during live events
- Irregular schedules
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like technology and events
- I stay calm when things break
- I can lift equipment
- I don’t mind early and late shifts
- I like teamwork
- I want certificate-level entry
Not sure? Take the free Audio and Video Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Tape down cables to prevent trips
- Lift with proper technique
- Follow rigging safety
- Use ladders and lifts safely