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Creative Industries

Audio & Video Technician

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.

Annual openings

129

BLS median wage

$56,790

Typical education

High school (GED)

10-year growth

+10%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required, though work experience or work-based learning using audio/video editing tools, such as those from Adobe or Avid, is valued.

Work-based learning

No information available

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success

  • Creativity — Turning an idea into content of interest to consumers
  • Use of tools and technology — Technicians use many different tools, including spreadsheets (to track their work) and basic computer programming skills (Python or Apple Scripts)
  • Planning and Organizing — Planning and tracking tasks, estimates, and time spent to create deliverables
Get started by running the Audio/Video equipment at a school production or volunteer at a small venue.
Experience with non-linear editing tools is valued, such as those from Adobe or Avid. Use one of these tools to ingest footage, add sound, sweeten voices, grade/correct color, etc. to put together videos to highlight is fun, and can be used to show future employers.
To stand out, go beyond the basics to add after effects in layers and with key frames, understand 2D versus 3D, leverage the free tools in Blender. The skills you learn will be transferable to the more expensive industry standard tools.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Arts, Design, and Entertainment
  • Audio-Visual (AV) Technology

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
  2. Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
  3. Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
  4. Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
  5. Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
  6. Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.