Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers Salary 2025: $52,600 Median
The median Audiovisual Equipment Installer and Repairer earns $52,600 per year, or about $25 an hour, according to the latest BLS estimates. The top 10% pull in over $84,000, while the bottom 10% earn $36,760. With 19,780 workers nationwide and a projected 6.6% growth rate through 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations — this is a steady, hands-on career with solid demand.
How much Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers earn
The national median salary for Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers is $52,600. The mean annual wage is $57,930, which works out to roughly $27.85 per hour. Your actual pay depends heavily on experience, industry, and location.
Newcomers and those in lower-paying regions typically start around $36,760 (the 10th percentile). Veterans and specialists in high-demand settings can exceed $84,190 (the 90th percentile). A skilled installer in a major metro or union shop can earn significantly more.
Pay by state
Where you work has a huge impact on earnings. The top-paying states for Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers are: Connecticut ($74,890), Washington ($70,720), Delaware ($69,990), Maryland ($65,160), and Iowa ($64,390).
At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest-paying states include Nebraska ($39,940), South Dakota ($38,860), and Wyoming ($33,300). If relocating isn't an option, focus on employers in higher-paying industries like broadcasting or corporate AV systems.
How to become Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairer
Most employers look for a high school diploma or equivalent plus some technical training. Many workers learn on the job, but a certificate from a community college or trade school in electronics, AV systems, or information technology gives you a clear edge.
Certifications like AVIXA's Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) are widely recognized and can boost your starting salary. You'll typically need to pass a background check and a drug test, especially if you'll work in schools or government buildings. Apprenticeships and entry-level helper positions are common ways in.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a certificate or associate degree in AV technology, electronics, or a related field.
- Pursue the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credential through AVIXA.
- Apply for entry-level roles like install helper or field technician to gain hands-on experience.
Job outlook
Employment for Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers is projected to grow 6.6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,600 job openings per year, many of them from workers retiring or moving to other fields. Demand is driven by expanding use of AV technology in corporate offices, schools, hospitals, and entertainment venues. The shift to hybrid work and digital signage also fuels the need for new installations and maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Do Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers need a license?
No national license is required, but some states or localities may require a low-voltage or electrical license. Many employers prefer or require the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credential from AVIXA.
Is audiovisual installation a good career?
Yes, with a median salary of $52,600, faster-than-average growth (6.6%), and no four-year degree required, it's a solid hands-on career. Top earners surpass $84,000, especially in high-paying states like Connecticut or Washington.
How long does it take to become an Audiovisual Equipment Installer and Repairer?
Many workers start within a few months with on-the-job training. A certificate program takes 6-12 months. Earning the CTS credential adds a few weeks to months. Full proficiency often takes 1-2 years.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers data.