Audio and video recording technicians

Overview

Audio and video recording technicians operate equipment to record, mix and edit sound, music and videotape, for motion pictures, television and radio programs, videos, recordings and live events. They are employed by multimedia companies, film, video and concert production companies, sound recording firms, theatre and dance companies, educational establishments, clubs, hotels, bands, radio stations, television networks and video production and editing companies.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input or feed of pre-recorded material from tapes, records, compact discs, digital audio devices, and input from live microphones, satellites or microwave trucks for films, videos, radio and television programs and recordings

  • Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment to record videos, television programs, concerts and live events, and to edit video tape after production

  • Operate electronic equipment to generate program titles, credits, sub-titles, graphic backgrounds or animation for television programs

  • Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment to mix, combine and edit music and sound at concerts and live events

  • Operate dubbing machines to play back edited dialogue, music and sound effect tracks from different sources, in synchronization with motion picture film

  • May supervise and coordinate the work of other audio and video recording technicians.

Job titles

  • assistant sound editor
  • audio engineer - recording studio
  • audio operator
  • audio operator assistant
  • audio recording studio operator
  • audio technician

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$52,140

Median

$73,330

High

$95,041

Job openings

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British Columbia

569

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of a college or other program in recording engineering, audiovisual technology or a related field or experience as a recording studio assistant is usually required.

  • Senior occupations in this unit group, such as recording and sound engineers, require experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience recommended

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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