AV technicians set up, and/or operate audio and video equipment, including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment. They may do this for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, or news conferences, among other possible events. They may also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems. Sample job titles include: production assistant, audio visual technician, master control operator (MCO), broadcast engineer, stagehand, videographer, audio/visual manager, audio/visual operator, equipment technician, master control engineer

Average Salary:

$38,050

Average Hours (per week):

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators at large stations and the networks usually work a 40-hour week under great pressure to meet broadcast deadlines. They may occasionally work overtime. Technicians at small stations routinely work more than 40 hours a week. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is usual because most stations are on the air 18 to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Technicians who work on motion pictures may be on a tight schedule and may work long hours to meet contractual deadlines.

Union:

Roughly 11percent of all broadcasting employees are union members, primarily in larger markets covered by NABET, IBEW, IATSE, and AFTRA contracts.

Certifications:

Licensing is not required for broadcast technicians. However, certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers is issued to experienced technicians who pass an examination, and the certification may help with advancement.  Experienced technicians can become supervisory technicians or chief engineers.

Training Period:

Technical school, community college, or college training in broadcast technology, electronics, or computer networking provides the best preparation for these jobs.

Strongest Market(s):

Job applicants will face keen competition for jobs in major metropolitan areas, where pay generally is higher. Prospects are expected to be better in small cities and towns.  About 29 percent of these workers are in broadcasting, mainly in radio and television stations, and 15 percent work in the motion picture, video, and sound recording industries.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $10.34 to $13.52 per hour.

Top Salary:

$66,030

Job Growth Forecast:

Growth is expected to be average over the next decade at 7 to 13 percent.

Related posts:

1. Broadcast Technicians
2. Sound Engineering Technicians
3. Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture
4. Lead Audio Technician
5. Film and Video Editors