Audio Visual Technician Salary: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering a career as an audio visual technician, one of the first questions on your mind is probably how much you can expect to earn. The good news is that audio visual technicians are in demand in a variety of industries, from corporate events to concerts and beyond. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the average audio visual technician salary, what factors can impact your earnings, and what steps you can take to maximize your earning potential.
What is the Average Audio Visual Technician Salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for audio and video equipment technicians was $45,510 as of May 2020. This breaks down to an hourly wage of $21.89. However, it’s important to note that this is just a median, which means that half of all audio visual technicians earn more than this amount and half earn less.
Factors that Impact Audio Visual Technician Salary
There are a number of factors that can impact your audio visual technician salary. Here are just a few:
- Industry: Audio visual technicians work in a variety of industries, from live events to television and film production. Different industries may have different pay scales, so it’s important to research the industry you’re interested in and see how it compares to others.
- Experience: As with many careers, experience is a key factor in determining salary. Audio visual technicians with more experience may be able to command higher salaries than those who are just starting out.
- Location: Where you live can also impact your earning potential. Audio visual technicians in major cities or areas with high demand may be able to earn more than those in less populous areas.
- Education and Certifications: While not always required, having a degree or certifications in audio visual technology can help you stand out from other candidates and potentially earn a higher salary.
Tips for Maximizing Your Audio Visual Technician Salary
If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential as an audio visual technician, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Focus on a high-demand industry: As mentioned earlier, different industries may have different pay scales. Research which industries are in high demand and focus your job search on those.
- Gain experience: The more experience you have, the more you can potentially earn. Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings.
- Consider further education or certifications: While not always necessary, additional education or certifications can help you stand out from other candidates and potentially earn a higher salary.
- Negotiate your salary: Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary once you’ve been offered a job. Do your research beforehand to determine what a fair salary range is for your experience and industry.
Career and Education
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an audio visual technician, there are a variety of educational paths you can take. NYU Tisch offers audio visual technology programs. Additionally, there are a number of online courses and certifications available, such as the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials program offered by Yellowbrick.
Key Takeaways
- The median annual wage for audio and video equipment technicians was $45,510 as of May 2020.
- Factors that can impact your audio visual technician salary include industry, experience, location, and education/certifications.
- To maximize your earning potential, focus on high-demand industries, gain experience, consider further education or certifications, and negotiate your salary.
- If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an audio visual technician, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certification program offered by Yellowbrick.
