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Career Details

27-4011.00 - Audio and Video Technicians


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.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
70,900
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
79,400
Estimate
Change in Employment
+8,400
Estimate
Change in Employment %
+11.9%
Estimate
Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
  • Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
  • Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance.
  • Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
  • Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
  • Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
  • Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
  • Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
  • Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audio-visual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.
  • Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
  • Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
Supplemental
  • Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.
  • Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
  • Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
  • Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
  • Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
  • Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
  • Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
  • Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.
  • Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.
  • Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
  • Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.
  • Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.
  • Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.
  • Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
  • Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
  • Perform narration of productions or present announcements.
  • Reserve audio-visual equipment and facilities, such as meeting rooms.
  • Analyze and maintain data logs for audio-visual activities.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
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Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
 Computers and Electronics
  • 82%
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 Communications and Media
  • 81%
    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
  • 74%
    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
 Fine Arts
  • 72%
    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
 Engineering and Technology
  • 71%
    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.
 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.
 Design
  • 60%
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
 Mechanical
  • 58%
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
 Mathematics
  • 57%
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 Physics
  • 54%
    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
 Law and Government
  • 53%
    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
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Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Audio presentation and composing equipment and hardware and controllers
  • Assistive amplification systems
  • Audio presentation systems
  • Microphone mixers
  • Sound boards
 Phone and video conference equipment and hardware and controllers
  • Audioconferencing systems
  • Videoconferencing equipment
 Audio and visual equipment
  • Cassette players
  • Compact disk CD burners or players
  • Digital audio recorders
  • Digital video disk DVD players
  • Integrated speaker systems
  • Loudspeaker sets
  • Plasma televisions
  • Portable speaker systems
  • Television monitors
  • Videotape duplicating equipment
  • Wired microphones
  • Wireless microphones
 Forming tools
  • Claw hammers
 Computers
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Personal computers
 Cameras
  • Digital camcorders
  • Digital video cameras
 Electrical measuring and testing equipment and accessories
  • Digital oscilloscopes
  • Digital voltmeters DVM
 Computer displays
  • Interactive whiteboards
 Projectors and supplies
  • Liquid crystal display LCD projection systems
  • Motion picture projectors
  • Overhead display projectors
  • Projection screens
  • Slide projectors
 Power tools
  • Power drills
 Soldering machines
  • Soldering irons
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
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Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Content authoring and editing software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffectsHOT
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Flash
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Flash Player
  • Adobe Systems Adobe IllustratorHOT
  • Adobe Systems Adobe InDesignHOT
  • Adobe Systems Adobe PhotoshopHOT
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Apple iMovie
  • Corel Ulead DVD Workshop
  • Microsoft ExcelHOT
  • Microsoft PowerPointHOT
  • Microsoft WordHOT
  • YouTubeHOT
 Data management and query software
  • Blackboard software
  • Microsoft AccessHOT
 Operating environment software
  • Cisco IOS
  • LinuxHOT
  • Microsoft WindowsHOT
 Information exchange software
  • Cisco Systems WebEx
  • Microsoft OutlookHOT
 Industry specific software
  • Computer aided design CAD softwareHOT
 Network management software
  • Voice over internet protocol VoiP system softwareHOT
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
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Certifications
FastForward at Virginia's Community Colleges is a short-term training program for high-demand industries, like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades and infrastructure, helping Virginians get the jobs and salaries they need. Our goal is to get you trained, help you earn your certification, and get you into a career that can support you and your family. Explore the latest training program offerings by visiting FastForward
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
 Specialty
  • Certified Technology Specialist-Design
    11242 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030703-273-7200

 Advanced
 Unknown
 Product/Equipment
  • Media Composer User
    Avid Technology Park One Park West Tewsbury, , MA 08176

  • Avid Certified Support Representative for Editing
    Avid Technology Park One Park West Tewsbury, , MA 08176

  • Avid Certified Support Representative for Workgroups
    Avid Technology Park One Park West Tewsbury, , MA 08176

 Core
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
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Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
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Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
INSTITUTION
PROGRAMS
Northern Virginia Community College
Randolph-Macon College