Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

Set up or set up and 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 for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. May also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.

2. Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality, and notify directors of any possible problems.

3. Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds, or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.

4. Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment used to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, cable programs, and motion pictures.

5. Design layouts of audio and video equipment, and perform upgrades and maintenance.

6. Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.

7. Diagnose and resolve media system problems in classrooms.

8. Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.

9. Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.

10. Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.

11. Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Audio and Video Equipment Technicians. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Audio and Video Equipment Technicians, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$29,840 for entry level workers, and $55,980 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 4,500 Audio and Video Equipment Technicians employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 5,140  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 60 job(s) each year, and a total of 150 job openings each year.

Audiovisual and Broadcast Technicians - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Training and Development Managers - Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

Art Directors - Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging.

Floral Designers - Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.

Set and Exhibit Designers - Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Program Directors - Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

Technical Directors/Managers - Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

Technical Writers - Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Broadcast Technicians - Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate radio transmitter to broadcast radio and television programs.

Film and Video Editors - Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.