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What is a recording technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A recording technician usually works in media production companies, broadcasting stations, and event companies. They are responsible for recording audio and video for various purposes, which requires a high level of skill in operating A/V equipment, as well as impeccable timing and a keen eye for detail.

Aside from the recording process itself, a recording technician is also in charge of transporting equipment to and from locations, maintaining equipment to ensure that they are functioning properly, and preparing equipment according to the event or program requirements. Depending on their training, they may also be responsible for conducting repairs or replacements on equipment as necessary.

The educational requirement for a recording technician varies depending on the employer, but the minimum level is usually a high school diploma or GED. Nevertheless, having at least an associate's degree can be a huge advantage, as is in the case of prior work experience.

On average, the salary of a recording technician is around $35,000 a year, or roughly $17 an hour. Again, this depends on the employer, as well as one's industry of employment and level of experience.

ScoreRecording TechnicianUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,620

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.8

Growth rate 11%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.26%

Asian 8.54%

Black or African American 9.32%

Hispanic or Latino 17.15%

Unknown 4.19%

White 59.54%

Gender

female 69.64%

male 30.36%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.0

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.6

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Recording technician career paths

Key steps to become a recording technician

  1. Explore recording technician education requirements

    Most common recording technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    43.1 %

    Associate

    28.8 %

    High School Diploma

    14.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific recording technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service20.31%
    Data Entry18.21%
    Database Systems6.70%
    Office Equipment5.44%
    Background Checks3.63%
  3. Complete relevant recording technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New recording technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a recording technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real recording technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional recording technician certifications

    Recording technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific recording technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for recording technicians include Word 2010 Certification and Certified Records Manager (CRM).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research recording technician duties and responsibilities

    • Utilize SharePoint and Accutrac to convert information, by ensuring constant communication with department records coordinator and project leads.
    • Scan transcripts and financial documents into Onbase.
    • Perform periodic GMP audits to the manufacturing area.
    • Update procedures according to CFR & ISO requirements.
  6. Prepare your recording technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your recording technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a recording technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable recording technician resume templates

    Build a professional recording technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your recording technician resume.
    Recording Technician Resume
    Recording Technician Resume
    Recording Technician Resume
    Recording Technician Resume
    Recording Technician Resume
    Recording Technician Resume
    Recording Technician Resume
    Recording Technician Resume
    Recording Technician Resume
  7. Apply for recording technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a recording technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first recording technician job

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Average recording technician salary

The average recording technician salary in the United States is $34,620 per year or $17 per hour. Recording technician salaries range between $26,000 and $45,000 per year.

Average recording technician salary
$34,620 Yearly
$16.64 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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