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Audio operator vs audio technician

The differences between audio operators and audio technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an audio operator and an audio technician. Additionally, an audio operator has an average salary of $134,230, which is higher than the $51,473 average annual salary of an audio technician.

The top three skills for an audio operator include RF, IFB and TV. The most important skills for an audio technician are wireless microphones, video equipment, and audio systems.

Audio operator vs audio technician overview

Audio OperatorAudio Technician
Yearly salary$134,230$51,473
Hourly rate$64.53$24.75
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs32,55830,951
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Audio operator vs audio technician salary

Audio operators and audio technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Audio OperatorAudio Technician
Average salary$134,230$51,473
Salary rangeBetween $92,000 And $194,000Between $30,000 And $88,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between audio operator and audio technician education

There are a few differences between an audio operator and an audio technician in terms of educational background:

Audio OperatorAudio Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorCommunicationMusic
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Audio operator vs audio technician demographics

Here are the differences between audio operators' and audio technicians' demographics:

Audio OperatorAudio Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 73.8% Female, 26.2%Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 5.0% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between audio operator and audio technician duties and responsibilities

Audio operator example responsibilities.

  • Maintain microphone integrity and quality for transmitters, receivers, and IFB.
  • Receive and process audio transmissions from remote locations including IFB assignments and troubleshooting.
  • Conduct staff training on office software, internet usage, and PC troubleshooting.
  • Operate the administrative and technical aspects of a video teleconferencing center for clients ranging from civilian executives to four-star generals.
  • Mix FOH and monitors for all annual international conference events including performances.

Audio technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain the wireless system, network, servers, and desktop PCs.
  • Prepare Dj equipment, check sound quality, and also assist clients w/ request.
  • Edit promos for abc network programing.
  • Interact with host to ensure conference run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Set up sound gear and mix audio for CNN guest appearances and show tapings.
  • Record for rebroadcast on KHYBER TV (Pakistan), Shabob Radio.net (Yemen).
  • Show more

Audio operator vs audio technician skills

Common audio operator skills
  • RF, 20%
  • IFB, 14%
  • TV, 11%
  • Control Room, 8%
  • Audio Console, 7%
  • SSL, 7%
Common audio technician skills
  • Wireless Microphones, 13%
  • Video Equipment, 9%
  • Audio Systems, 8%
  • Live Events, 4%
  • Analog, 4%
  • AV, 3%

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