Career comparison
Audio and Video Technician vs. Movie Projectionist
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. $38,270), while movie projectionists usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Audio and video technicians set up and run sound, video and lighting for events, meetings and productions. Movie projectionists run and maintain digital projectors and sound systems in movie theaters.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Audio and Video Technician | Movie Projectionist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,100 ($27.93/hr) | $38,270 ($18.40/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,990 – $100,650 | $23,390 – $88,310 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | -6.2% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,600 | 300 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 3–12 months | A few weeks on the job |
| Key credential | AVIXA CTS | Manufacturer training |
| Work setting | Technicians work in event venues, offices, schools, churches and studios, often lifting equipment and working long days.. | Projectionists work in theater booths.. |
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
Movie Projectionist
- Load digital content
- Schedule shows
- Run projectors
- Check sound
- Clean equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, indoor work, and shift work. 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 movie projectionist if…
- I love movies
- I like technology
- I can work nights
Still torn? Take the Audio and Video Technician fit quiz and the Movie Projectionist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, audio and video technician or movie projectionist?
Audio and Video Technicians earn more at the median: $58,100 versus $38,270 for movie projectionists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Movie Projectionists typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than audio and video 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 -6.2% for movie projectionists.