Technical occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts

How to become an audio and video recording technician

Official title: Audio and video recording technicians

Also called: Video editor, Audio operator, Video recorder, Film technician, Audio technician, Radio technician, Sound technician, Video technician, Video sound mixer, Recording engineer, Re-recording mixer, Colour timer - video

Audio and video recording technicians operate equipment to record, mix and edit sound, music and videotape, for motion pictures, television and radio programs, videos, recordings and live events. They are employed by multimedia companies, film, video and concert production companies, sound recording firms, theatre and dance companies, educational establishments, clubs, hotels, bands, radio stations, television networks and video production and editing companies.

Main tasks

Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input or feed of pre-recorded material from tapes, records, compact discs, digital audio devices, and input from live microphones, satellites or microwave trucks for films, videos, radio and television programs and recordings
Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment to record videos, television programs, concerts and live events, and to edit video tape after production
Operate electronic equipment to generate program titles, credits, sub-titles, graphic backgrounds or animation for television programs
Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment to mix, combine and edit music and sound at concerts and live events
Operate dubbing machines to play back edited dialogue, music and sound effect tracks from different sources, in synchronization with motion picture film
May supervise and coordinate the work of other audio and video recording technicians

How to become one

Completion of a college or other program in recording engineering, audiovisual technology or a related field or experience as a recording studio assistant is usually required. Senior occupations in this unit group, such as recording and sound engineers, require experience.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 39% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Audiovisual communications technologies/technicians; Film/video and photographic arts; Electrical/electronic engineering technologies/technicians.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $64,077 a year The middle half earn $49,725 to $76,050.
About 13,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 14,100 are projected by 2033. (+7.6%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become an audio and video recording technician?

How much does an audio and video recording technician earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $64,077 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $49,725 to $76,050.

Is an audio and video recording technician a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 13,100 to about 14,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become an audio and video recording technician?

Usually not. Only 22% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03