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Audio operator vs stage technician

The differences between audio operators and stage 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 stage technician. Additionally, an audio operator has an average salary of $134,230, which is higher than the $40,047 average annual salary of a stage technician.

The top three skills for an audio operator include RF, IFB and TV. The most important skills for a stage technician are video equipment, venues, and audio equipment.

Audio operator vs stage technician overview

Audio OperatorStage Technician
Yearly salary$134,230$40,047
Hourly rate$64.53$19.25
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs32,55830,456
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Audio operator vs stage technician salary

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

Audio OperatorStage Technician
Average salary$134,230$40,047
Salary rangeBetween $92,000 And $194,000Between $27,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City-Reno, NV
Highest paying state-Rhode Island
Best paying company-General Electric
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between audio operator and stage technician education

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

Audio OperatorStage Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorCommunicationTheatre
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Audio operator vs stage technician demographics

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

Audio OperatorStage Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 73.8% Female, 26.2%Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between audio operator and stage 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.

Stage technician example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage multiple stages: FOH mix, monitor mix, and video presentation editing mix.
  • Help set with lights, audio sound equipment, stage props, and backline band gear.
  • Work include setup, strike and operation of sound, lighting, and video equipment as well as carpentry and rigging.
  • Assist in the unloading and division of backline equipment.
  • Operate professional audio mixer, utilize on board and off board components, including eq.
  • Install necessary software and update drivers, windows update security policies and group policies through proper network protocols.
  • Show more

Audio operator vs stage technician skills

Common audio operator skills
  • RF, 20%
  • IFB, 14%
  • TV, 11%
  • Control Room, 8%
  • Audio Console, 7%
  • SSL, 7%
Common stage technician skills
  • Video Equipment, 10%
  • Venues, 10%
  • Audio Equipment, 9%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Sound Systems, 7%

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