Job Duties
Audio and video equipment technicians operate audio and video equipment such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment. They connect wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment. They may work at concerts, sporting events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. They may work with custom lighting systems such as associated spotlights.
Audio and video equipment technician jobs have been greatly altered by the transition to digital recording, editing, and broadcasting. Electronic equipment has largely been replaced by desktop software, and video and audio tapes have been replaced by computer hard drives and other types of data storage. Computer networks coupled with specialized equipment have become the standard for broadcasting. As a result, audio and video equipment technicians have been forced to adapt and learn software and computer networking skills.
Job Skills
Audio and video equipment technicians need to have skill working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and equipment. It is also important for them to have good manual dexterity.
Income
In 2002, audio and video equipment technicians earned a median annual salary of $31,110. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $17,710, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $61,420.
Training and Education
The minimum requirement for audio and video equipment technician jobs is a high school diploma. More and more applicants have degrees from community colleges or other postsecondary institutions, even though they may not be required by employers. Some candidates may be able to replace formal education requirements with on-the-job training. Valuable experience can be gained by working in a studio as an assistant.
The most effective way to train for a career as an audio and video equipment technician is to enroll in a technical school community college, or university program in electronics, computer networking, or broadcast technology. New employees usually learn on the job from more experienced technicians and supervisors. Some begin their careers working in smaller, local stations and, after gaining valuable experience, move on to larger stations and networks. Quite a few employers offer programs in which they will pay the tuition and expenses for courses and seminars that improve the skills of their employees and help keep them updated on the latest developments in the field.
Employment
In 2002, audio and video equipment technicians held about 42,000 jobs. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. offer the highest-paying jobs.
Job Outlook
Between 2002 and 2012, employment of audio and video equipment technicians is expected to increase faster than the average. Advancements in technology will increase the abilities of technicians to produce higher quality radio and television programming. Job growth will be limited by the consolidation in ownership of television and radio stations. In the cable and pay television sector of the industry, employment growth will be higher.
For more information on a career as an audio and video equipment technician, please see our directory of schools offering Video Production Training
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