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How to Become an Audio Visual (AV) Technician
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.
AV Technician Job Overview
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.
Job Duties
- Set up audio, video, lighting, and staging equipment for live or recorded events
- Test and troubleshoot microphones, speakers, cameras, and displays
- Operate soundboards, mixers, or streaming software during events
- Dismantle and store equipment after use
- Maintain, repair, or replace worn or faulty gear
- Coordinate with event planners, venue staff, or media teams
Salary Information
- Entry Level: $33,980
- Median Annual Salary: $56,600
- Experienced: $104,610
Get Trained
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.
Resources for Your Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a degree required to become an AV tech?
No. Many techs learn on the job or through certificate programs, and experience often matters more than formal education.
What kind of events or industries do AV techs work in?
Corporate conferences, concerts, sports broadcasts, podcasts, weddings, schools, religious services, and live streams all rely on AV pros.
What tools and equipment should I know how to use?
Is this job mostly behind the scenes?
Yes. Most AV techs are the “invisible” force behind the production: setting up early, staying alert during events, and packing up after.
What job titles fall under this role?
You might see:
- Audio-Visual Technician (AV Tech)
- Audio Technician
- Video Technician
- Media Technician
- Operations Technician
- Audio-Visual Specialist
- Stagehand
Can this lead to other career paths?
Definitely. AV techs often move into event production, broadcasting, video editing, lighting design, or live event management.
Get Certified
Audio Visual Technician Certifications
AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS)
One of the most recognized AV industry credentials, covering system setup, troubleshooting, and signal flow.
Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT)
Offered by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE); good fit if you're working in media, newsrooms, or live streaming.
OSHA 10 – General Industry
Basic safety training that’s often required in venues, theaters, or large-scale productions.
