What is an Audio Visual Production Specialist?

<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Associate's or bachelor's</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td> Audio recording and video production, broadcast and electronic communication arts, or multimedia production</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Responsibilities</b></td><td> Monitor and maintain sound and video equipment, repair damaged or malfunctioning equipment, set up lighting systems and teach other employees how to operate equipment</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b></td><td> 26% (<i>for audio and video equipment technicians</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2029)*</b> </td><td> $47,920 (<i>for audio and video equipment technicians</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p><h3 id="section---AudioVisualProductionSpecialistJobDuties">Audio Visual Production Specialist Job Duties</h3><p>Audio visual production specialists install, monitor and maintain sound and video equipment, including speakers, microphones, video monitors and projection screens. These specialists are sometimes referred to as audio visual equipment technicians or audio video specialists. Some technicians are responsible for repairing damaged or malfunctioning equipment. Additional job duties may include setting up lighting systems or teaching other employees how to operate equipment. </p><h3 id="section---GetYourDegree">Get Your Degree</h3><p>If you'd like to obtain a position as an audio visual production specialist, you might want to enroll in an audio visual degree program at a technical school, community college or 4-year university. Both associate's and bachelor's programs are available. </p><p>An associate's degree program in audio recording and video production might consist of classes in audio electronics, television field production, audio engineering, mixing and editing, marketing concepts, multimedia design and sound production. Most programs require completion of some general education courses; you can usually earn your associate's degree after two years of study. </p><p>You could pursue a bachelor's degree in broadcast and electronic communication arts; you could also enroll in a communications bachelor's program with a specialization in multimedia production. In these programs, you'll take courses like audio production, interactive media, electronic media journalism, radio programming, video production and media performance. You might be able to gain hands-on experience by interning or volunteering at a college television or radio station. </p><h3 id="section---HowMuchCouldIEarn">How Much Could I Earn?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), audio and video equipment technicians earned a median salary of $47,920 in 2020. Audio and video equipment technicians who worked in the video and motion picture industries earned average annual salaries of $66,800 in 2020 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Meanwhile, audio and visual equipment technicians who worked in the radio and television broadcasting industry were paid an average salary of $52,940 during the same year. The BLS notes that salaries were often higher for technicians who worked in television as opposed to radio. </p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Electrical and electronics installers install and repair electrical equipment, which may include audio and visual equipment. These professionals may start their careers with a post-secondary certificate from a trade school or technical college. Computer support specialists provide trouble shooting support for individuals and organizations using computers and computer software. They often perform general computer maintenance and trouble shoot networks. They may start a career with an associate's or bachelor's degree in a computer related field.</p>