Audio and Video Technicians

SOC code 27-4011 · O*NET-SOC 27-4011.00 · Medium preparation needed

Audio and Video Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$58,100

a year

Hourly

$27.93

per hour

10th$37,990Median$58,10090th$100,650

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$64,630

$31.07 per hour

Middle 50%

$46,390 – $77,560

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,990 – $100,650

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

70,230

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,990; $18.26/hr
25th percentile: $46,390; $22.30/hr
Median percentile: $58,100; $27.93/hr
75th percentile: $77,560; $37.29/hr
90th percentile: $100,650; $48.39/hr

What do audio and video technicians do?

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.
Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 43% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree43%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)25%
Post-Secondary Certificate20%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%

Common questions

How much does an audio and video technicians earn?

The national median is $58,100 a year. The full range runs from $37,990 at the 10th percentile to $100,650 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an audio and video technicians without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.5/5
Critical Thinking3.5/5
Active Listening3.1/5
Writing3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics4.1/5
Communications and Media4.1/5
English Language4.0/5
Telecommunications3.7/5
Fine Arts3.6/5
Engineering and Technology3.6/5
Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
Education and Training3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Service Orientation.