Post job

Special effects technician vs audio technician

The differences between special effects technicians and audio technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a special effects technician and an audio technician. Additionally, an audio technician has an average salary of $51,473, which is higher than the $43,345 average annual salary of a special effects technician.

The top three skills for a special effects technician include troubleshoot, tech support and . The most important skills for an audio technician are wireless microphones, video equipment, and audio systems.

Special effects technician vs audio technician overview

Special Effects TechnicianAudio Technician
Yearly salary$43,345$51,473
Hourly rate$20.84$24.75
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs17,94030,951
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Special effects technician vs audio technician salary

Special effects technicians and audio technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Effects TechnicianAudio Technician
Average salary$43,345$51,473
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $80,000Between $30,000 And $88,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between special effects technician and audio technician education

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

Special Effects TechnicianAudio Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorBusinessMusic
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoJohns Hopkins University

Special effects technician vs audio technician demographics

Here are the differences between special effects technicians' and audio technicians' demographics:

Special Effects TechnicianAudio Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 74.1% Female, 25.9%Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between special effects technician and audio technician duties and responsibilities

Special effects 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.
  • Create and publish on SharePoint documentation of troubleshooting, resolution, installation and maintenance of hardware and software problems.
  • Prepare and set off battlefield explosion, smoke and IED effects during small unit engagements.
  • Distribute video through cable as well as videoconferencing networks via a multipoint conferencing unit.

Audio technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain the wireless system, network, servers, and desktop PCs.
  • Prepare Dj equipment, check sound quality, and also assist clients w/ request.
  • Edit promos for abc network programing.
  • Interact with host to ensure conference run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Set up sound gear and mix audio for CNN guest appearances and show tapings.
  • Record for rebroadcast on KHYBER TV (Pakistan), Shabob Radio.net (Yemen).
  • Show more

Special effects technician vs audio technician skills

Common special effects technician skills
  • Troubleshoot, 60%
  • Tech Support, 40%
Common audio technician skills
  • Wireless Microphones, 13%
  • Video Equipment, 9%
  • Audio Systems, 8%
  • Live Events, 4%
  • Analog, 4%
  • AV, 3%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs