Audio and video technicians
SOC Code: 27-4011
Audio and video technicians carries a 33% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $54,830 and +3.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 92,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Audio and video technicians (SOC 27-4011) carries an AI exposure score of 33%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 92,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $54,830, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Audio and video technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
- 2. Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
- 3. Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
- 4. Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
- 5. Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
- 6. Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.
- 7. Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
- 8. Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
- 9. Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
- 10. Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Telecommunications
- Fine Arts
- Engineering and Technology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Audio and video technicians?
Audio and video technicians has an AI exposure score of 33%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Audio and video technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Audio and video technicians is projected to grow by 3.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 92,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Audio and video technicians?
Key skills for Audio and video technicians include Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Audio and video technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Audio and video technicians is $54,830, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Audio and video technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Audio and video technicians is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Audio and video technicians?
Audio and video technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).