Audio visual technician

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• manage an audio visual (AV) department, for example in a college or university
• specialise in lighting or sound design
• provide bespoke systems in homes and businesses
• move into AV equipment services and sales
• become self employed and install screens and equipment in music venues, sports stadiums and transport hubs

You might also wish to become an events manager or broadcast engineer.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to work well with your hands
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - Audio visual technicians need to understand how sound waves, light, and electricity behave in order to set up and troubleshoot equipment effectively. Concepts like acoustics, optics, and electrical circuits are directly relevant when positioning speakers, adjusting lighting rigs, and ensuring safe power distribution at events.
• Electronics - Audio visual technicians work with amplifiers, mixing desks, lighting controllers, and video systems that all rely on electronic circuits and signal processing. Understanding how electronic components and systems work helps them diagnose faults, make repairs, and connect equipment correctly.
• Design and Technology - Audio visual technicians solve practical problems on every job – rigging equipment, routing cables, and adapting setups to different venues. Being comfortable working with tools, reading technical plans, and thinking through how systems fit together physically is a core part of the role.
• Music - Audio visual technicians who work with sound need to understand audio quality, mixing, and how different frequencies interact in a live space. Knowledge of music technology – such as microphone placement, equalisation, and sound levels – helps them deliver clear, balanced audio at performances and events.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Audio visual technicians increasingly program control systems, configure networked AV equipment, and troubleshoot digital signal routing. Understanding how software, networks, and digital protocols work helps when setting up automated lighting sequences, video streaming, or integrated smart systems.
• Media Studies - Audio visual technicians set up and operate the sound, lighting, and video systems that deliver media content at live events, broadcasts, and conferences. Media Studies helps them understand how media products are produced, distributed, and presented – giving useful context for the technical decisions behind each format.
• Mathematics - Audio visual technicians use maths when calculating power loads, signal levels, cable lengths, and speaker coverage angles. They also need to interpret technical specifications and work out equipment requirements for different venue sizes.
• Engineering - Audio visual technicians install and maintain complex technical systems that combine electrical, mechanical, and digital components. An engineering mindset helps them plan installations, ensure structural safety when rigging heavy equipment, and integrate different technologies into a reliable setup.
• Business - Audio visual technicians often become self-employed or move into AV equipment sales and services. Understanding how to price jobs, manage client relationships, and run a small business is valuable for those who want to work independently or progress into management roles.