Behind every smooth-running event, broadcast, or livestream, there’s a technician managing the lights, sound, and screens. AV techs are the go-to pros for setting up and operating equipment that makes experiences look and sound professional. If you're hands-on, detail-oriented, and tech-curious, this could be your next move.
Audio-visual (AV) technicians handle the setup, operation, and breakdown of equipment used for events, presentations, recordings, and broadcasts. That includes everything from microphones and mixing boards to projectors, video walls, and livestream platforms.
You might find job listings for AV technician, audio tech, video technician, media technician, or operations tech, but the work revolves around making sound and visuals come through clearly, on cue, and without fail.
Many AV techs learn by doing. While some roles prefer candidates with formal training, you can often build skills through hands-on work, freelance gigs, or short-term certificate programs.
Here’s a common way into the field:
Earn a high school diploma or GED: This is usually the minimum requirement for entry-level AV roles.
Learn the gear: Whether through YouTube, trade schools, or shadowing experienced techs, getting familiar with mixers, mics, and monitors is essential.
Complete a certificate program (optional): Some community colleges and training centers offer AV or media tech programs that cover sound systems, lighting design, and event production.
Start in entry-level roles: Stagehand, production assistant, or equipment operator jobs often lead to full-time AV tech positions.
No. Many techs learn on the job or through certificate programs, and experience often matters more than formal education.
Corporate conferences, concerts, sports broadcasts, podcasts, weddings, schools, religious services, and live streams all rely on AV pros.
Yes. Most AV techs are the “invisible” force behind the production: setting up early, staying alert during events, and packing up after.
You might see:
Definitely. AV techs often move into event production, broadcasting, video editing, lighting design, or live event management.
