Career comparison
Audio and Video Technician vs. Computer Repair Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Audio and video technicians earn more at the median ($58,100 vs. $47,810), 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. Computer repair technicians fix computers, printers, ATMs and other office technology.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Audio and Video Technician | Computer Repair Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,100 ($27.93/hr) | $47,810 ($22.99/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,990 – $100,650 | $35,910 – $71,730 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | -3.0% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,600 | 6,100 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Some college, no degree |
| Training time | 3–12 months | 3–12 months |
| Key credential | AVIXA CTS | CompTIA A+ |
| Work setting | Technicians work in event venues, offices, schools, churches and studios, often lifting equipment and working long days.. | Technicians work in repair shops, retail stores, corporate IT departments and at customer 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
Computer Repair Technician
- Diagnose hardware and software problems
- Replace failed components
- Remove malware and reinstall systems
- Recover and transfer data
- Service printers, copiers and POS systems
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, and indoor work. They sit in different fields, arts, media & design and technology, but share transferable skills such as calm under pressure and customer service.
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 computer repair technician if…
- I like taking things apart and fixing them
- I enjoy troubleshooting
- I’m patient with customers
Still torn? Take the Audio and Video Technician fit quiz and the Computer Repair Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, audio and video technician or computer repair technician?
Audio and Video Technicians earn more at the median: $58,100 versus $47,810 for computer repair 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 computer repair technicians (3–12 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects audio and video technicians to grow +3.9% from 2025–35, compared with -3.0% for computer repair technicians.