Audio and Video Technician
SOC 27-4011.00 · ESCO 3521 · OSCA 391231
Role snapshot
Overview
Sets up, operates, and maintains sound and video equipment for live events, broadcasts, and studio recordings. Troubleshoots signal issues, mixes audio levels in real time, and ensures recordings meet quality standards, contributing to high-quality media production.
Ensures clear communication and high-quality sensory experiences for audiences, whether in live events, television broadcasts, or digital media, by expertly managing audio and visual systems.
On the job
- Set up, test, and operate audio, video, and lighting equipment for various productions.
- Monitor audio and video signals to ensure quality and make real-time adjustments during live events.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on A/V equipment.
- Troubleshoot technical issues with signal flow, cabling, and equipment malfunctions.
- Collaborate with directors, producers, and talent to achieve desired technical and creative outcomes.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Typically requires a technical certificate, associate's degree, or equivalent experience in audio, video, or broadcast technology.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
moderate
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
AI can automate signal monitoring, suggest optimal equipment settings, assist with real-time mixing, and provide diagnostic support for technical issues.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
Physical setup, complex real-time troubleshooting under pressure, and creative collaboration with directors prevent AI from autonomously completing whole workflows.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
Efficiency gains in broadcast, live events, and studio production drive high employer interest in AI tools for automated monitoring, quality control, and basic operational tasks.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success relies on human judgment for creative interpretation, critical real-time problem-solving, and ensuring high-quality, seamless technical execution in dynamic environments.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
Technicians are accustomed to adopting new equipment and software; integrating AI as another advanced tool for system management and enhancement is a natural progression.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Monitor audio and video signal quality for anomalies
- Suggest optimal camera and microphone settings for various scenarios
- Automate basic audio mixing and video switching tasks
- Diagnose equipment malfunctions and suggest repair steps
- Manage and optimize media file formats and storage
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Physically set up and dismantle complex audio and video rigs
- Troubleshoot unexpected, complex technical failures in real-time
- Collaborate with creative teams to achieve specific artistic visions
- Perform hands-on maintenance and repair of specialized equipment
- Adapt to unpredictable live event environments and audience needs
- Ensure safety protocols are followed during setup and operation
How the role may evolve
From manual operation to overseeing smart technical systems.
The role will evolve from hands-on operation to managing and supervising intelligent A/V systems, with a greater focus on complex problem-solving, system integration, and creative collaboration.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency with AI-driven monitoring and control systems
- Advanced troubleshooting of integrated A/V networks
- System design and integration expertise
- Strong collaboration and communication with creative teams
- Specialization in emerging immersive technologies
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Audio and Video Technician
Entertainment & Media
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCA
Individuals who enjoy hands-on technical tasks, precision work, and applying creative solutions in dynamic audio-visual environments often find satisfaction in this role.
Personality characteristics
Resourceful
Quickly adapts to unexpected technical challenges and finds practical solutions under pressure.
Precise
Maintains meticulous attention to detail in setup, operation, and troubleshooting of complex equipment.
Collaborative
Works effectively with production teams, directors, and talent to achieve shared technical goals.
Composed
Remains calm and focused while operating during live events or managing technical emergencies.
Hands-on
Enjoys working directly with technical equipment, setting up, and manipulating systems physically.
Best for
- Individuals who thrive on technical challenges and hands-on work with audio and video systems.
- Those who enjoy contributing to creative projects through technical expertise and precision.
- People who are adaptable and can maintain composure in dynamic, live production environments.
Watch out for
- The role often demands working outside standard office hours, including evenings and weekends for events.
- Can be fast-paced and high-pressure, especially during live productions, requiring quick thinking and problem-solving.
- Requires physical stamina for setting up and moving heavy equipment.
A week in the life
A representative working week for an Audio and Video Technician — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Audio and Video Technician roles
What does an Audio and Video Technician do?
An Audio and Video Technician sets up, operates, and maintains sound and video equipment for live events, broadcasts, and studio recordings. Troubleshoots signal issues, mixes audio levels in real time, and ensures recordings meet quality standards, contributing to high-quality media production. Ensures clear communication and high-quality sensory experiences for audiences, whether in live events, television broadcasts, or digital media, by expertly managing audio and visual systems.
How much does an Audio and Video Technician earn?
An Audio and Video Technician earns a median of $60,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $45,000 to $80,000.
What qualifications do you need to become an Audio and Video Technician?
To become an Audio and Video Technician, typically requires a technical certificate, associate's degree, or equivalent experience in audio, video, or broadcast technology.
What personality suits an Audio and Video Technician?
Audio and Video Technician roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 72/100) and open and curious — drawn to variety, ideas and new approaches (Openness 68/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Resourceful, Precise, Collaborative and Composed. Quickly adapts to unexpected technical challenges and finds practical solutions under pressure. On interests, Audio and Video Technician maps to a RCA Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy hands-on technical tasks, precision work, and applying creative solutions in dynamic audio-visual environments often find satisfaction in this role.
Who does an Audio and Video Technician role suit?
An Audio and Video Technician role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Realistic (R) and Conventional (C) alignment: the role is highly technical, hands-on, and requires methodical problem-solving. Involves direct application of technical skills in diverse and dynamic environments. Offers opportunities for creative input in audio mixing and visual presentation, aligning with Artistic (A) interests.
What are the downsides of being an Audio and Video Technician?
Audio and Video Technician roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The role often demands working outside standard office hours, including evenings and weekends for events. Can be fast-paced and high-pressure, especially during live productions, requiring quick thinking and problem-solving. Requires physical stamina for setting up and moving heavy equipment.
What is the work environment like for an Audio and Video Technician?
Work as an Audio and Video Technician is mostly mixed-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work and high exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 40% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be an Audio and Video Technician?
Core skills for an Audio and Video Technician include Audio mixing and mastering, Video production and editing, Live sound reinforcement, Signal flow troubleshooting, Equipment setup and calibration and Broadcast operations.
How do you become an Audio and Video Technician?
Common entry routes into Audio and Video Technician roles include Av Assistant, Production Assistant and Stagehand.
What career progression is there for an Audio and Video Technician?
From an Audio and Video Technician role, common next steps include Lead Audio and Video Technician, Broadcast Engineer and Technical Director; lateral moves include Sound Designer and Video Editor.
What is the job outlook for Audio and Video Technician roles?
The outlook for Audio and Video Technician roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Audio and Video Technician roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Audio and Video Technician roles at 48 out of 100, which is moderate. Many technical monitoring and setup tasks could be aided by AI, but human expertise in physical equipment management and real-time troubleshooting remains indispensable. AI is most likely to take on monitor audio and video signal quality for anomalies, suggest optimal camera and microphone settings for various scenarios and automate basic audio mixing and video switching tasks. Physically set up and dismantle complex audio and video rigs, troubleshoot unexpected, complex technical failures in real-time and collaborate with creative teams to achieve specific artistic visions stay with people. From manual operation to overseeing smart technical systems. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.