AI is already auto-mixing audio, adjusting camera framing, and generating live captions. Here's what that means for your career and what to do about it.
AI won't replace AV technicians, but it's already replacing some of the routine work they do. Automated systems now handle basic mixing, switching, and captioning that once required a live operator. Physical setup, troubleshooting, and client communication remain irreplaceable.
TASK LEVEL RISK
Most of the work stays human. AI assists at the edges.
AI is handling specific tasks. The core role is intact but shifting.
AI is automating significant portions of the work. Adaptation is essential.
Higher risk
auto-mixing audio levels, generating live captions, camera framing adjustments, basic video switching, signal monitoring, routine equipment diagnostics
Lower risk
cable routing and rigging, on-site troubleshooting, client communication, venue-specific acoustics tuning, emergency problem solving, custom system design
AV work depends on physical presence, real-time troubleshooting under pressure, and reading a room that AI cannot physically access.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Skills to build for the AI era
New skills - Adapt to the AI landscape
New skills - Adapt to the AI landscape
Learn Dante, NDI, and AES67 protocols to route audio and video across IP networks in modern venues and studios.
Configure and supervise real-time captioning platforms like Otter and Wordly for accessibility during live and hybrid events.
Master platforms like vMix, OBS, and Zoom Events to run in-person and remote audiences simultaneously without technical hiccups.
Understand VLAN segmentation, firmware updates, and access controls to protect networked AV systems from intrusion and downtime.
Timeless skills - What AI can't replicate
Timeless skills - What AI can't replicate
Diagnose signal flow, cabling, and equipment failures under time pressure when a show is minutes from starting.
Calm nervous presenters, translate technical constraints into plain language, and negotiate scope with event stakeholders on site.
Safely fly speakers, mount displays, and route cable in venues that no software or robot can navigate.
THE FULL PICTURE
What AI can do, what it can't, and where the career is headed
What AI can already do
- Auto-mix audio levels during live sessions
- Generate real-time captions and translations
- Adjust camera framing with computer vision
- Monitor signal integrity and flag anomalies
- Automate scene switching based on triggers
- Transcribe and index recorded content
What AI can't do
- AI cannot physically rig speakers, run cable, or set up staging in a venue.
- It cannot troubleshoot a failing HDMI connection five minutes before a keynote.
- It cannot read a nervous presenter and adjust monitor levels accordingly.
- It cannot negotiate with venue staff about power access or load-in times.
- These are the core contributions of Audio Visual Technicians, and they remain entirely human.
AV technicians who learn networked systems and treat AI as a co-pilot will run bigger, more complex shows with fewer people.
Do you have the right strengths for this career?
Our test measures your personality and strengths — and shows how you match with 1600+ careers.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of broadcast, sound, and video technicians to grow about 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average. Demand is strongest in live events, corporate AV, houses of worship, and streaming production. Technicians skilled in networked AV, IP video, and hybrid event systems have the best prospects.