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.
Salary and Outlook
According to the US Department of Labor, there are 68,600 people employed as audio and video technicians in
the United States.
The median annual salary is $48,820.
Entry level employees earn approximately $30,160 per year and senior employees earn approximately $90,180
per year.
Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, 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.