As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an AV Technician I in the United States is $24, which translates to an annual salary of about $50,590.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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An AV Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an AV Technician I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| AV Technician I | 0-1 years | $50,551 |
| Audio and Video Equipment Technician II | 1-3 years | $58,970 |
| Audio and Video Equipment Technician III | 3-5 years | $71,771 |
| Audio and Video Equipment Technician IV | 5-7 years | $88,658 |
| Audio and Video Equipment Supervisor | 7+ years | $84,676 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract AV Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 10.05% |
| Plumbing | 2.15% |
| Audio Systems | 1.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$67,285 |
33%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$61,214 |
21%
|
|
Digital Transformation
|
$58,684 |
16%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$58,179 |
15%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$58,179 |
15%
|
|
Coordination
|
$57,673 |
14%
|
AV Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $56,633. While startup companies pay approximate $47,910.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $47,910 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $50,670 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $54,689 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $56,633 |
For AV Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, AV Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AV Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $65,767 | $32.0 | 30% |
Understanding how an AV Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an AV Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,486 in 2023 to around $47,081 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of AV Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $47,486 |
| 2024 | $47,224 |
| 2025 | $47,081 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for AV Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
The salary for an AV Technician in the USA ranges from $46,190 to $59,590 annually, with a mid-range salary of $52,590. This reflects the typical earnings for professionals in this field, providing a clear understanding of potential compensation.
While experienced AV technicians can earn competitive salaries, the typical range is between $46,190 and $59,590 annually. Achieving a salary of $100,000 is uncommon in this field, as most technicians start with training and experience that leads to the average salary rather than exceeding it significantly.
The highest paying job varies by field, but for AV Technicians, salaries range from $46,190 to $59,590, with a mid-salary of $52,590. While this may not compare to top-tier professions like anesthesiologists or orthodontists, it reflects a solid earning potential in the audiovisual industry.
The highest paid technician is typically the AV Technician, with a salary range from $46,190 to $59,590, depending on experience and location. This role often requires specialized skills in audio-visual equipment, making it a lucrative option within the technical field.
Most audio visual technicians have a certificate or associate degree. The most common areas of study are Sound Engineering, Film Production, and Cinema Studies. Salaries for AV Technicians typically range from $46,190 to $59,590, with a median salary of $52,590, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
The highest paid AV Technicians can expect salaries ranging from $46,190 to $59,590 annually, with a mid-range salary of $52,590. In comparison, low voltage technicians in cities like Seattle, WA, earn around $68,307 annually, while those in Denver, CO, make approximately $59,835.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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