Audio and Video Technician Salary in California
Based on 9K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$64,620
$31.07/hr
vs National Average
$54,307
+19.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $121K
9K employed in California
Audio and Video Technician salary in California averages $64,620 per year, positioning the state well above national standards. With approximately 9,280 workers employed in this field throughout California, technicians earn roughly 19% more than their counterparts nationwide, reflecting the state's robust media and entertainment industry presence.
Several factors influence Audio and Video Technician salary in California, including experience level, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Salaries typically range from $39,950 to $120,690 annually, with higher earnings concentrated in major media hubs like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Specialization in broadcast, film production, or live events, combined with technical certifications and advanced equipment expertise, also significantly impacts compensation potential.
Salary Distribution — Audio and Video Technician in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,950 |
| 25th percentile | $48,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,620 |
| 75th percentile | $87,450 |
| 90th percentile | $120,690 |
Top-Paying Industries for Audio and Video Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Audio and Video Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Audio and Video Technicians in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $76,600 | 250 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $74,650 | 590 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $66,340 | 5K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $65,370 | 7K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $62,030 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Audio and Video Technician in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,400 |
| 2023 | $61,030 |
| 2024 | $62,240 |
| 2025 | $64,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,091 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,400 | $49,044 |
| 2023 | $61,030 | $50,024 |
| 2024 | $62,240 | $51,986 |
| 2025 | $64,620 | $54,307 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,091 | $56,384 |
Audio and Video Technician Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $87,450 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $120,690 |
Audio and Video Technician Salary in Other States
Related Audio and Video Technician Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Audio and Video Technician ($64,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Audio and Video Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in CA | $137,780 | +113.2% | $66.24/hr |
| Producer and Director in CA | $129,790 | +100.9% | $62.40/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in CA | $100,770 | +55.9% | $48.45/hr |
| Interior Designer in CA | $80,230 | +24.2% | $38.57/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CA | $75,130 | +16.3% | $36.12/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CA | $64,980 | +0.6% | $31.24/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CA | $62,600 | -3.1% | $30.10/hr |
| Title Examiner in CA | $67,230 | +4.0% | $32.32/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CA | $60,270 | -6.7% | $28.98/hr |
| Truck Driver in CA | $60,230 | -6.8% | $28.96/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in CA | $59,250 | -8.3% | $28.49/hr |
| Bookkeeper in CA | $59,230 | -8.3% | $28.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do audio and video technicians make in California?
- Audio and video technicians in California earn a median salary of $64,620 per year, which translates to approximately $31 per hour. This is 19.0% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for video technicians in California?
- The salary range for audio and video technicians in California spans from $39,950 at the lower end to $120,690 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is being an audio and video technician in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, audio and video technicians in California earn 19.0% more than the national average, with a median salary of $64,620 per year compared to lower national figures.
How many audio and video technician jobs are available in California?
- There are currently 9,280 audio and video technicians employed in California, indicating a substantial job market in the state for this profession.