How much does a media technician make?
a year · about $34 an hour
A typical media technician in the United States makes $70,720 a year, about $34 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They connect microphones, speakers, cameras, and screens, then test the sound and picture before a meeting or concert. During the event, they adjust controls, fix equipment problems, and pack everything away.
Did you know? Some U.S. media technicians may work at night or on weekends because radio and TV stations stay on air 24/7.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $38,870 and $135,470How do you become one?
In the U.S., study math, physics, and electronics in high school, then take hands-on audio/video or broadcast training; some jobs accept a high-school diploma. School AV experience helps, and certification is usually optional.
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, useful skills, optional certification, the employer, and location. More complex tasks and hours worked—including extra hours for live events or night shifts at always-on stations—can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Virginia ($117,640), lowest in Montana ($36,890).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $38,870 | $70,720 | $135,470 | about 12,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $117,640 | about 400 |
| Arizona | $99,320 | about 130 |
| Michigan | $96,530 | about 50 |
| Alabama | $96,100 | about 40 |
| Nebraska | $92,080 | about 90 |
Official definition: All media and communication equipment workers not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-4099.00
- www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technici
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.careeronestop.org/Videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=27401100
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY