News & Trends

Audiovisual (AV) technology powers the way we communicate, learn, and entertain—from boardrooms and classrooms to concert halls and stadiums. As digital transformation reshapes every industry, the demand for skilled AV technicians is rising fast.

These professionals are the backbone of seamless sound, video, and lighting experiences. Whether setting up a video conference, troubleshooting a sound system, or maintaining complex AV installations, AV technicians keep the show running smoothly.

What Is an AV Technician?

An AV technician sets up, operates, and maintains audiovisual equipment like microphones, projectors, monitors, soundboards, and lighting systems. Their work ensures smooth audio and visual performance across industries.

• Corporate Events: AV technicians keep presentations, webinars, and corporate events like conferences running smoothly so speakers can focus on their message, not technical glitches. They manage everything from adjusting audio levels to troubleshooting video calls and supporting hybrid meetings, ensuring remote participants stay fully engaged.
• Education: In schools and universities, AV technicians install and maintain education tech like smart boards, projectors, and lecture capture tools. As learning moves online, they ensure virtual classrooms stream reliably, troubleshoot issues, and support large-scale events like graduations and conferences.
• Entertainment: AV technicians are needed for sound mixing, lighting, and video projection at concerts, theater productions, and film shoots. They balance audio channels, sync lighting with music or scenes, and collaborate with directors and designers to elevate live experiences.
• Healthcare: AV technicians support telemedicine, medical training, and collaboration tools by setting up secure, high-quality video systems. They manage simulation labs, OR cameras, and training tech, ensuring clear communication for both patient care and staff education.
• Hospitality: Hotels, resorts, and convention centers rely on AV technicians to manage conferences, weddings, and trade shows. From digital signage to in-room systems, technicians coordinate with planners and vendors to deliver seamless guest experiences—even on tight timelines.
  
  

What Do AV Technicians Do?

AV technicians play a vital role in ensuring events and installations run smoothly. They blend technical know-how with problem-solving and communication skills to deliver reliable, high-quality AV experiences. Their core responsibilities include:

• System Installations: Technicians handle the setup and configuration of AV systems—installing LED walls, projectors, speakers, video conferencing gear, digital signage, and control panels. They read floor plans, manage cables, and place equipment to optimize performance. Tasks might include running cables through walls, configuring video walls, or fine-tuning speaker placement to eliminate dead zones.
• Troubleshooting: When issues arise, AV technicians diagnose and fix problems quickly—whether it's audio feedback, poor video quality, or a dropped connection. Using diagnostic tools and knowledge of signal flow, they identify root causes and restore function without disrupting events.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regular inspections and updates help prevent failures. Technicians clean and test gear, update firmware, and replace worn components. They may calibrate displays or check sound levels, keeping detailed logs to anticipate future maintenance or upgrades.
• Client Interaction: AV technicians collaborate with clients to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions. Whether planning a large conference or setting up a classroom, they explain technical details in plain language and ensure expectations align with functionality and budget.
• Technical Support: During events, AV technicians monitor equipment and make real-time adjustments. They’re ready to swap out a failing mic, adjust volume levels, or reconfigure a video feed—often working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.
  

A Day in the Life of an AV Technician

A typical day for an AV technician often starts early, with the technician arriving at a venue hours before the event begins to ensure everything is in place. This initial setup phase can involve unboxing and assembling equipment such as speakers, projectors, LED screens, microphones, and mixing consoles. Technicians carefully route cables, connect devices, and run tests to confirm that the equipment functions as expected.

Before the event, they’ll coordinate with event organizers, presenters, or performers to understand specific needs, like microphone placement, lighting adjustments, or last-minute presentation file uploads. Attention to detail is critical at this stage: one missing cable or misconfigured setting could impact the entire event.

During the event, AV technicians stay alert and on hand to monitor the system and respond to any technical issues. They might adjust audio levels on the fly to avoid feedback, switch video inputs to match the flow of presentations, or charge and replace batteries in a wireless microphone without disrupting the program.

After the event, AV technicians carefully dismantle the equipment, coil cables, pack everything neatly, and transport it back to storage or the next venue. They also perform routine maintenance, including cleaning equipment, updating firmware, and documenting any needed repairs.

Depending on the organization or event schedule, an AV technician may juggle multiple assignments daily, like setting up a morning corporate meeting, an afternoon conference, followed by an evening concert. Each day brings new challenges, venues, and a fresh opportunity to blend technical skill with customer service.

Skills and Qualifications Required

• Proficiency with AV Equipment: Understand how to operate and troubleshoot various audiovisual devices. 
• Knowledge of Signal Flow: Comprehend how audio and video signals travel through systems to identify and resolve issues.
• Familiarity with Software: Use software tools for audio mixing, video editing, and system diagnostics. 
• Problem-Solving: Quickly identify and resolve technical problems under pressure while remaining calm. 
• Communication: Effectively share technical information with clients and team members. 
• Teamwork: Collaborate with other professionals to ensure successful event execution. They need to be good listeners and work well with others, including the actual performers, listening to their needs. 
  

AV Technician Job Description and Career Opportunities

AV technicians work across a wide range of industries, using their skills to support communication, collaboration, and live experiences. Whether setting the stage for a concert or ensuring a video conference runs smoothly, these professionals are essential wherever audio and visual technology are involved. 

Here are some of the most common workplaces and roles for AV technicians:

• Event Production Companies: Managing AV needs for concerts, conferences, and other live events.
• Educational Institutions: Supporting classroom technologies and virtual learning platforms. 
• Corporate Offices: Maintaining AV systems for meetings, presentations, and internal communications. 
• Broadcasting and Media: Operating television, radio, and online content production equipment. 
• Healthcare Facilities: Facilitating telemedicine and training sessions through AV technology. 
  

AV Technician Salary and Job Market

Based on the most recent data, the average hourly wage for an Audio Visual (AV) Technician in the United States is approximately $26.28. Entry-level positions typically start around $19 to $20 per hour, while experienced technicians earn up to $36 per hour, with some specialized roles commanding higher. 

It's important to note that wages can vary based on location, experience, and specific industry sectors. For instance, cities like Washington, D.C., and Jacksonville, Florida, report higher average wages for AV technicians.

The demand for AV technicians is growing, driven by the increasing reliance on technology in numerous sectors. The AVIXA Pro-AV Channel Employment Report highlights a positive employment outlook, with opportunities expanding in the corporate, education, and entertainment industries. 

Advancing Your Career as an AV Professional

Career progression for AV technicians can lead to roles such as AV engineer, project manager, or systems designer. Advancement often involves gaining experience, pursuing further education, and obtaining advanced certifications, including:

• CTS-I (Installation): Focuses on installing and maintaining AV systems.
  
• CTS-D (Design): Emphasizes the design and integration of complex AV solutions.
  

Next Steps in Your AV Career

Ongoing training and staying current with new technology are key to career growth. The AVIXA Careers portal offers many resources, including job listings, training programs, and certification information for those interested in pursuing a career as an AV technician. These tools can help you build a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers in the AV industry.

Photo credit: Getty Images/EvgeniyShkolenko