HUMANITIES Specialization

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

Most Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $26,194 right after finishing, climbing to $44,889 four years out.

About Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

This page covers Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Communications Tech and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Communications Tech. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $44,889 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 339 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 6,764 students complete it each year. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$26,194
Median Earnings · 4yr
$44,889
Colleges Offering
339
Graduates / Year
6,764
Avg Net Price / yr
$16,582

How Much Do Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?

Four years after finishing Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, a typical graduate earns $44,889, significantly below average for bachelor's degree holders. Half of earners land somewhere between $26,703 and $61,587, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Do not judge the field on a starting paycheck alone: pay tends to jump in the first few years, climbing from $26,194 at one year out to $44,889 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.

What that figure means in practice depends on what the degree cost to get, which is a matter of lifetime earnings against total outlay.

$26,194
1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$44,889
4-Year National Median

Significantly below average. Graduate credentials or high-demand roles can raise this considerably.

$46,495
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

Not every Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out a moderate amount, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.


Understanding the Cost vs. Return

At median 4-year earnings of $44,889 and an estimated $66,328 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 4.5 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.

Based on outcomes from 64 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 6,764 students who complete Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (36%) earn a associate's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Associate's 36%
Certificate 34%
Bachelor's 27%

What Can You Do With an Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Degree?

This degree does not lock you into one job. Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates show up in 7 different occupations, and Film & Video Editor pays the most at $75,420/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

The best-paid of these is what a Film & Video Editor earns and how fast the role is growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.

↗ +3.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$75,420
$53K $105K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 3,100 openings/yr 26K employed nationally
Active Listening Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Learning
Day-to-day responsibilities

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

  • Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
  • Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
  • Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
↗ +1.3% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$74,990
$51K $107K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 2,500 openings/yr 22K employed nationally
Active Listening Judgment and Decision Making Coordination Speaking Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

  • Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
  • Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
  • Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
↘ -3.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$73,130
$50K $100K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 1,000 openings/yr 13K employed nationally
Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Operation and Control
Day-to-day responsibilities

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

  • Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
  • Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
  • Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
↘ -0.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$72,420
$54K $101K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 1,800 openings/yr 13K employed nationally
Active Listening Writing Reading Comprehension Speaking Time Management
Day-to-day responsibilities

Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.

  • Record verbatim proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies, committee meetings, and other proceedings, using computerized recording equipment, electronic stenograph machines, or stenomasks.
  • Proofread transcripts for correct spelling of words.
  • Ask speakers to clarify inaudible statements.
↘ -4.8% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$68,060
$53K $96K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 600 openings/yr 9K employed nationally
Day-to-day responsibilities

Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.

↘ -3.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$59,570
$40K $84K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 1,600 openings/yr 21K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Active Listening Operations Monitoring Monitoring Writing
Day-to-day responsibilities

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

  • Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
  • Monitor and log transmitter readings.
  • Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
↗ +3.9% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$58,100
$46K $78K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 6,600 openings/yr 70K employed nationally
Monitoring Operations Monitoring Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

  • Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
  • Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.

Top Colleges for Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

Not sure where to study Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at Rowan University, and the rest follow the same measures.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Rowan University Glassboro, NJ · Public 126 77.7% $22,408 $59,988
2 Belmont University Nashville, TN · Nonprofit 108 95.3% $33,147 $55,930
3 Bowie State University Bowie, MD · Public 97 72.4% $19,298 $54,537
4 Colegio de Cinematografia Artes y Television Bayamon, PR · For-Profit 69 Open $1,460 $25,707
5 MediaTech Institute-Dallas Dallas, TX · For-Profit 69 Open $18,873 $33,293
6 CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY · Public 65 Open $4,976 $42,306
7 Bossier Parish Community College Bossier City, LA · Public 65 Open $10,706 $34,502
8 University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Arecibo, PR · Public 62 59.2% $10,680 $30,512
9 Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA · Nonprofit 53 83% $49,430 $45,954
10 Hinds Community College Raymond, MS · Public 53 Open $4,060 $30,774
11 Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UT · Public 44 Open $9,804 $47,867
12 Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GA · Public 43 Open $3,407 $37,138
13 Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI · Public 38 Open $9,112 $41,113
14 Husson University Bangor, ME · Nonprofit 37 81% $21,005 $45,025
15 Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TX · Public 35 Open $4,337 $42,727
16 New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, RI · Nonprofit 33 66.7% $36,483 $48,684
17 Atlanta Institute of Music and Media Duluth, GA · For-Profit 33 Open $37,832 $31,186
18 SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, NY · Public 29 73% $11,346 $52,334
19 California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, CA · Public 28 93.3% $8,615 $57,162
20 Tri-County Technical College Pendleton, SC · Public 28 Open $14,670 $40,101

Ranked by Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of an Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Degree: Pros & Cons

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 3 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $26,194 at graduation to $44,889 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 17,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
  • Flexible credential paths Programs are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
CONS
  • Below-average earnings Four-year median of $44,889 falls below the national median for bachelor's degree holders.
  • Declining roles in some areas 4 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
  • High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($26,703) and 75th ($61,587) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
$44,889 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $26,703 and $61,587, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for an Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians degree?
$26,194 in the first year out. That grows to $44,889 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.
What jobs can you get with an Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians degree?
Film & Video Editor is one path, and it pays a median of $75,420 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does an Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians program take?
Two years full-time at a community college for an Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians associate degree. Many students use it as a stepping stone, transferring to a four-year school afterward to finish a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians?
339 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
Is an Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
$44,889 median earnings four years out against $16,582 a year in average net price. That is a slow payback, so cost matters more than usual here: a cheaper school changes the answer. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the difference between Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians and Communications Tech?
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians is the narrower of the two: Communications Tech covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.
What skills do employers look for in Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently look for writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
What is the job outlook for Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Outlook is slow overall: related occupations average -0.3% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Audio and Video Technicians are among the strongest-growth roles at +3.9%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.

Continue Exploring

Browse our full directory: every college, major, program, and career we track, all built from verified government data.