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Audio operator vs media technician

The differences between audio operators and media 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 media technician. Additionally, an audio operator has an average salary of $134,230, which is higher than the $45,576 average annual salary of a media technician.

The top three skills for an audio operator include RF, IFB and TV. The most important skills for a media technician are video production, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Audio operator vs media technician overview

Audio OperatorMedia Technician
Yearly salary$134,230$45,576
Hourly rate$64.53$21.91
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs32,55838,422
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Audio operator vs media technician salary

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

Audio OperatorMedia Technician
Average salary$134,230$45,576
Salary rangeBetween $92,000 And $194,000Between $29,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Stamford, CT
Highest paying state-Delaware
Best paying company-Zoetis
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between audio operator and media technician education

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

Audio OperatorMedia Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorCommunicationCommunication
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Audio operator vs media technician demographics

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

Audio OperatorMedia Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 73.8% Female, 26.2%Male, 69.7% Female, 30.3%
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, 8.9% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between audio operator and media 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.

Media technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead false-positive team to identify and resolve network service issues and produce a manual for outsource providers to troubleshoot technical issues.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions, proofread and edit marketing materials, manage magazine inventory.
  • Provide technical support for VTC conference call monitoring, performance reports, troubleshooting of AV/VTC issues and audio/video conferencing relate issues.
  • Provide private IP address ranges for testing.
  • Work with Resolume and Watchout projection mapping software.
  • Input outgoing social media messages into Hootsuite and Facebook daily.
  • Show more

Audio operator vs media technician skills

Common audio operator skills
  • RF, 20%
  • IFB, 14%
  • TV, 11%
  • Control Room, 8%
  • Audio Console, 7%
  • SSL, 7%
Common media technician skills
  • Video Production, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Windows, 5%
  • Audio Equipment, 4%
  • Visual Equipment, 4%

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