Audio and video technicians set up, operate, and maintain the equipment that captures and delivers sound and images for live events, broadcasts, and recordings. You'll work with computers and electronics in fast-paced settings. A bachelor's degree is typical, though the path varies.
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Audio and video technicians operate cameras, microphones, mixing boards, and other equipment during live events, studio sessions, and broadcasts. You monitor sound and video quality in real time, troubleshoot technical problems on the fly, and make quick decisions to keep productions running smoothly. You stay current with new technology and software, read technical specifications, and communicate with directors, producers, and other crew members. The work demands both creative thinking and precision problem-solving as you translate a vision into a polished final product.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Audio and Video Technicians earn a median of $58,100 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 7,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most audio and video technicians earn a bachelor's degree in a related field like broadcasting, film, audio engineering, or media production. Your coursework covers computers and electronics, communications systems, and hands-on equipment operation. Many programs include internships or real-world projects that let you build a portfolio. Some technicians start with an associate degree or certificate and move into bachelor's work later. Job Zone 3 preparation means you'll need medium-level training and experience before you're ready for independent work.
Your route depends on whether you want a full four-year degree upfront or prefer to start working sooner with a shorter credential. If you're weighing those options, Pathly can map the audio and video technician path that fits you and work through it with your school counselor to find the timeline that fits your life.
You do not need a license to work as an audio and video technician, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to hands-on technical work with equipment and systems. You think creatively about how to solve problems and communicate clearly with a team. You stay curious about how things work and enjoy learning new tools.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).