A Day in the Life of an Audio Visual Technician: Responsibilities and Skills Explained
As technology continues to advance, the role of an audio-visual technician has become increasingly important. Audio-visual technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining audio and visual equipment used in a variety of settings, including conferences, concerts, and other live events. In this article, we’ll explore the responsibilities and skills required to become an audio-visual technician.
Responsibilities of an Audio Visual Technician
Audio-visual technicians are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining audio and visual equipment, including microphones, sound speakers, projectors, and screens. They work closely with event planners, producers, and other professionals to ensure that all technical requirements are met. Some of the specific responsibilities of an audio-visual technician include:
- Setting up equipment: Audio-visual technicians are responsible for setting up all audio and visual equipment required for an event. This includes installing speakers, microphones, and projectors, as well as connecting all necessary cables.
- Operating equipment: During an event, audio-visual technicians are responsible for operating all audio and visual equipment. This includes adjusting sound levels and lighting, as well as troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise.
- Maintaining equipment: Audio visual technicians are also responsible for maintaining all equipment used during an event. This includes performing regular maintenance checks and repairing any equipment that is damaged or malfunctioning.
Skills Required to Become an Audio Visual Technician
Becoming an audio visual technician requires a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Some of the key skills required to become an audio visual technician include:
- Technical proficiency: Audio visual technicians must be proficient in the use of audio and visual equipment. This includes understanding how to set up and operate equipment, as well as troubleshooting technical issues.
- Attention to detail: Audio visual technicians must have a keen eye for detail, as even small mistakes can have a significant impact on the quality of an event.
- Communication skills: Audio visual technicians must be able to communicate effectively with event planners, producers, and other professionals. This includes understanding technical requirements and explaining technical issues in a way that is easy for non-technical professionals to understand.
- Problem-solving skills: Audio-visual technicians must be able to think on their feet and quickly troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise during an event.
Career and Education
Audio visual technicians work in a variety of settings, including conference centers, concert venues, and other live event spaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for audio and visual technicians was $49,050 in May 2019. The job outlook for audio and visual technicians is also positive, with employment in this field projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
To become an audio visual technician, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. However, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s degree in audio visual technology or a related field. Additionally, many audio visual technicians receive on-the-job training to gain the technical skills necessary to succeed in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Audio-visual technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining audio and visual equipment used in a variety of settings, including conferences, concerts, and other live events.
- Becoming an audio visual technician requires a combination of technical and interpersonal skills, including technical proficiency, attention to detail, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
- Audio visual technicians can expect to earn a median annual wage of $49,050, with employment in this field projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry, including the role of audio visual technicians in live events.
