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Audio visual technician vs freelance video editor

The differences between audio visual technicians and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an audio visual technician, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a freelance video editor has an average salary of $54,795, which is higher than the $43,529 average annual salary of an audio visual technician.

The top three skills for an audio visual technician include customer service, customer satisfaction and audio visual equipment. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Audio visual technician vs freelance video editor overview

Audio Visual TechnicianFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$43,529$54,795
Hourly rate$20.93$26.34
Growth rate10%12%
Number of jobs15,3875,910
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4237
Years of experience26

What does an audio visual technician do?

An audiovisual technician is responsible for operating and monitoring audiovisual equipment and systems used for various events such as live public events and business conferences. Audiovisual technicians' duties include repairing technical issues, running diagnostic tests before actual use, identifying and resolving malfunctions immediately, assembling system components, installing and arranging equipment on their proper positions, instructing clients on how to operate the systems, and ensuring the safety of the equipment. An audiovisual technician must have a broad knowledge of the technology industry and system procedures to perform setups and installment accurately.

What does a freelance video editor do?

A freelance video editor offers video editing services to individuals and businesses. Most freelance video editors manage their own time and work at their preferred places, some even working from home. Among their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, negotiating contracts, gathering and editing clips, and completing projects within deadlines. There are also instances when they must shoot videos in adherence to the contract's terms. Moreover, a freelance video editor must establish positive relationships with clients to develop a strong client base.

Audio visual technician vs freelance video editor salary

Audio visual technicians and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Audio Visual TechnicianFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$43,529$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $66,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DC-
Highest paying stateDelaware-
Best paying companySchool of Visual Concepts-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between audio visual technician and freelance video editor education

There are a few differences between an audio visual technician and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:

Audio Visual TechnicianFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityNew York University

Audio visual technician vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between audio visual technicians' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Audio Visual TechnicianFreelance Video Editor
Average age4237
Gender ratioMale, 86.8% Female, 13.2%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.0% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%10%

Differences between audio visual technician and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Audio visual technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain the wireless system, network, servers, and desktop PCs.
  • Manage new hardware, maintain network integrity, troubleshoot firewalls and gateways, and transfer IP addresses.
  • Manage software to insure protection from miscellaneous online activities, troubleshoot and repair hardware and software to maintain PC stability.
  • Provide audio/visual technical support for projection systems and portable direct video calling terminals.
  • Cable types: cat5, cat6, VGA, HDMI, DVI and coax.
  • Operate PC/Mac base computer workstations.
  • Show more

Freelance video editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Operate cameras on set - Sony FS7, DSLR, assist DP with striking of set.
  • Collaborate with producers to match b-roll to script for voice-overs.
  • Direct and/or DP d lighting for many corporate communication projects.
  • Edit promotional content for YouTube, the company's main publishing site
  • Incorporate mix formats into a single project format including HD footage.
  • Show more

Audio visual technician vs freelance video editor skills

Common audio visual technician skills
  • Customer Service, 22%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 12%
  • Audio Visual Equipment, 9%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Technical Aspects, 8%
  • Equipment Operation, 8%
Common freelance video editor skills
  • Training Videos, 23%
  • Video Content, 7%
  • Motion Graphics, 6%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 5%
  • Edit Video, 5%
  • Freelance Video, 5%

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