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Audio and Video Technicians
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Job 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. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $27K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $35K
Median Salary: $47K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $64K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $87K
Demand
Core Tasks
Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.
Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance.
Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.
Reserve audio-visual equipment and facilities, such as meeting rooms.
Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.
Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.
Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audio-visual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.
Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.
Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.
Perform narration of productions or present announcements.
Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
Analyze and maintain data logs for audio-visual activities.
Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Computers and Electronics
83%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Communications and Media
82%
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language
81%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Telecommunications
75%
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Engineering and Technology
72%
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.
Fine Arts
72%
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Customer and Personal Service
68%
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.
Education and Training
62%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security
62%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management
60%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Top 10 Skills
Monitoring
75%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking
70%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operations Monitoring
70%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension
70%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
65%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening
63%
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.
Coordination
63%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation
63%
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking
63%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
63%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Top 10 Abilities
Near Vision
80%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression
78%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Information Ordering
75%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension
75%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
75%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
70%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
70%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning
68%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Hearing Sensitivity
65%
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning
65%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
91%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
84%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
84%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
84%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
83%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively
83%
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
82%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
81%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Scheduling Work and Activities
79%
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
76%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Detailed Work Activities
Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
Maintain logs of production activities.
Notify others of equipment problems.
Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.
Mix sound inputs.
Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.
Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.
Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.
Maintain records, documents, or other files.
Edit audio or video recordings.
Coordinate activities of production personnel.
Write material for artistic or entertainment purposes.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
Operate audio recording equipment.
Study details of musical compositions.
Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
Train others on work processes.
Compile technical information or documentation.
Write informational material.
Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
Work Context
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Coordinate or Lead Others
How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Education
Majors
Major
Interests
Realistic
100%
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.
Investigative
72%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
67%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Artistic
48%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
24%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
89%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
88%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Dependability
88%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation
85%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity
84%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance
84%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Self Control
83%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative
81%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Achievement/Effort
79%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
79%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Work Values
Independence
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Relationships
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions
50%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
