Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 73,900 people employed as audio and video technicians in the United States. The median annual salary is $47,900. Entry level employees earn approximately $27,840 per year and senior employees earn approximately $87,050 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
• Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
• Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
• Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
• Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance.
• Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audio-visual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.
• Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.
• Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
• Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
• Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
• Analyze and maintain data logs for audio-visual activities.
• Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
• Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
• Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
• Reserve audio-visual equipment and facilities, such as meeting rooms.
• Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.
• Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
• Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
• Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.
• Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.
• Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
• Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.
• Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.
• Perform narration of productions or present announcements.

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