Career comparison
Audio and Video Technician vs. Broadcast Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Broadcast technicians earn more at the median ($59,570 vs. $58,100), while audio and video technicians usually get to work faster (3–12 months of training). Audio and video technicians set up and run sound, video and lighting for events, meetings and productions. Broadcast technicians keep TV and radio signals on the air.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Audio and Video Technician | Broadcast Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,100 ($27.93/hr) | $59,570 ($28.64/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,990 – $100,650 | $31,390 – $123,670 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | -3.1% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,600 | 1,600 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 3–12 months | 2-year degree |
| Key credential | AVIXA CTS | SBE certification |
| Work setting | Technicians work in event venues, offices, schools, churches and studios, often lifting equipment and working long days.. | Technicians work in stations, control rooms and remote sites.. |
What each job does
Audio and Video Technician
- 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
Broadcast Technician
- Run master control
- Monitor signals
- Operate switchers
- Maintain equipment
- Set up remote broadcasts
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and a fast pace. Both are part of the arts, media & design field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose audio and video technician if…
- I like technology and events
- I stay calm when things break
- I can lift equipment
Choose broadcast technician if…
- I like media tech
- I stay calm live
- I like troubleshooting
Still torn? Take the Audio and Video Technician fit quiz and the Broadcast Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, audio and video technician or broadcast technician?
Broadcast Technicians earn more at the median: $59,570 versus $58,100 for audio and video technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Audio and Video Technicians typically train faster (3–12 months) than broadcast technicians (2-year degree).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects audio and video technicians to grow +3.9% from 2025–35, compared with -3.1% for broadcast technicians.