Audio and Video Technician Salary in the United States
Based on 68K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$54,307
$26.11/hr
▲ 4.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$38K – $87K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
68K
workers nationwide
The median Audio and Video Technician salary in the United States is $54,307 per year, which translates to about $26 per hour. This role is crucial for ensuring smooth audio and visual experiences in various settings, from live events to broadcast studios. With approximately 67,920 individuals currently employed in this field across the nation, it represents a significant sector within the entertainment and media industries.
Several factors influence the Audio and Video Technician salary in the United States. Experience level plays a major role, as does the specific industry and geographic location. For instance, working in areas with a higher cost of living or in specialized fields like film production can command higher pay. The specific responsibilities and the complexity of the equipment managed also contribute to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Audio and Video Technician
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,729 |
| 25th percentile | $45,762 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $54,307 |
| 75th percentile | $68,395 |
| 90th percentile | $86,536 |
Audio and Video Technician Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Audio and Video Technician
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $78,770 | +45.0% | 830 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $71,040 | +30.8% | 2K |
| 3 | Maryland | $70,040 | +29.0% | 2K |
| 4 | Washington | $69,270 | +27.6% | 1K |
| 5 | New York | $67,600 | +24.5% | 8K |
| 6 | California | $64,620 | +19.0% | 9K |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $64,070 | +18.0% | 150 |
| 8 | Nevada | $62,770 | +15.6% | 2K |
| 9 | Connecticut | $62,120 | +14.4% | 820 |
| 10 | Alaska | $62,060 | +14.3% | 70 |
Audio and Video Technician Salary by Industry
How much Audio and Video Technicians earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($76,600 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $76,600 | +41.0% | 250 |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $74,650 | +37.5% | 590 |
| 3 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $66,340 | +22.2% | 5K |
| 4 | Administrative and Support Services | $65,370 | +20.4% | 7K |
| 5 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $62,030 | +14.2% | 3K |
| 6 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $61,680 | +13.6% | 540 |
| 7 | Accommodation and Food Services | $60,860 | +12.1% | 2K |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $59,990 | +10.5% | 630 |
| 9 | Information | $59,910 | +10.3% | 13K |
| 10 | Educational Services | $57,170 | +5.3% | 8K |
| 11 | Construction | $57,070 | +5.1% | 1K |
| 12 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $53,790 | -1.0% | 13K |
| 13 | Manufacturing | $52,360 | -3.6% | 950 |
| 14 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $51,160 | -5.8% | 12K |
| 15 | Retail Trade | $49,240 | -9.3% | 400 |
| 16 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $48,540 | -10.6% | 2K |
| 17 | Transportation and Warehousing | $40,060 | -26.2% | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Audio and Video Technician
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,044 |
| 2023 | $50,024 |
| 2024 | $51,986 |
| 2025 | $54,307 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,732 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Audio and Video Technician Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,762 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $54,307 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,395 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $86,536 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Audio and Video Technician salary?
- The median salary for an Audio and Video Technician in the United States is $54,307 annually. This means half of all technicians earn more, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Audio and Video Technicians?
- The salary range for Audio and Video Technicians typically falls between $37,729 and $86,536 per year. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end, while experienced professionals can earn significantly more.
Which state pays Audio and Video Technicians the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest Audio and Video Technician salary, with a median of $78,770 per year. This reflects the concentration of opportunities and cost of living in the nation's capital.
How many Audio and Video Technicians are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 67,920 Audio and Video Technicians employed across the United States. This number indicates a substantial job market for skilled professionals in this field.