Career comparison
Audio and Video Technician vs. Sound Engineer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Sound engineers earn more at the median ($73,130 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. Sound engineers record, mix and master sound for music, film, broadcast and live events.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Audio and Video Technician | Sound Engineer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,100 ($27.93/hr) | $73,130 ($35.16/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,990 – $100,650 | $37,570 – $137,370 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | -3.1% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,600 | 1,000 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 3–12 months | 6 months–2 years |
| Key credential | AVIXA CTS | Avid Pro Tools certification |
| Work setting | Technicians work in event venues, offices, schools, churches and studios, often lifting equipment and working long days.. | Engineers work in recording studios, film sets, broadcast facilities, theaters and concert venues.. |
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
Sound Engineer
- Set up microphones and recording equipment
- Record sessions
- Edit audio tracks
- Mix and balance sound
- Master final recordings
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 sound engineer if…
- I love music or sound
- I have a good ear
- I enjoy technical equipment
Still torn? Take the Audio and Video Technician fit quiz and the Sound Engineer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, audio and video technician or sound engineer?
Sound Engineers earn more at the median: $73,130 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 sound engineers (6 months–2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects audio and video technicians to grow +3.9% from 2025–35, compared with -3.1% for sound engineers.