Post job

Audio operator vs light technician

The differences between audio operators and light 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 a light technician. Additionally, an audio operator has an average salary of $134,230, which is higher than the $40,111 average annual salary of a light technician.

The top three skills for an audio operator include RF, IFB and TV. The most important skills for a light technician are ladders, hand tools, and light fixtures.

Audio operator vs light technician overview

Audio OperatorLight Technician
Yearly salary$134,230$40,111
Hourly rate$64.53$19.28
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs32,55831,530
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Audio operator vs light technician salary

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

Audio OperatorLight Technician
Average salary$134,230$40,111
Salary rangeBetween $92,000 And $194,000Between $28,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-BlackRock
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between audio operator and light technician education

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

Audio OperatorLight Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityNew Mexico State University

Audio operator vs light technician demographics

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

Audio OperatorLight Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 73.8% Female, 26.2%Male, 86.6% Female, 13.4%
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, 9.2% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between audio operator and light 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.

Light technician example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage multiple stages: FOH mix, monitor mix, and video presentation editing mix.
  • Provide support for the engineering, furnishing, and installation of classify and unclassify video teleconferencing systems and video distribution systems.
  • Communicate with other departments and coordinators to maintain order.

Audio operator vs light technician skills

Common audio operator skills
  • RF, 20%
  • IFB, 14%
  • TV, 11%
  • Control Room, 8%
  • Audio Console, 7%
  • SSL, 7%
Common light technician skills
  • Ladders, 14%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Light Fixtures, 9%
  • OSHA, 9%
  • A/V, 6%
  • Video Equipment, 5%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs