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Audio Recording Engineer, Character Generator Operator, Electronic Video Graphics Operator, Mix Engineer, Production Switcher, Sound Technician, Switcher, Video Switcher, Videotape Operator, Videotape Post-Production Editor
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment to mix, combine and edit music and sound at concerts and live events and to operate electronic equipment to generate program titles, credits, subtitles, graphic backgrounds or animation for television programs
Interest in compiling information to play back edited sound tracks in synchronization with motion picture films
Interest in mixing, combining and editing music and sound at concerts and live events, and synchronizing edited dialogue, music and sound effect tracks from different sources
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Audio operators set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio recording, editing and reproducing equipment at television stations and remote broadcast locations. In general, they work at audio consoles or with computers to:
During a production or broadcast, audio operators bring in required sound elements at pre-determined times. Sometimes, they must co-ordinate a number of audio feeds with a television picture. Feeds may include pre-recorded material, records, compact discs (CDs), digital audio devices and videotapes as well as inputs from live microphones, satellites or microwave trucks.
Videotape operators prepare and operate videotape and non-linear computer equipment and work with a variety of audio and video formats at television stations and remote broadcast locations. In general, they:
During production, videotape operators monitor the sound and picture being recorded and inform the director about malfunctions that might affect the quality of the recorded program. During news productions, they play back all video and sound elements required in the program.
Master control operators monitor, record and play back all signals and programs entering and leaving a station. With the introduction of computerized editing and recording equipment, videotape and master controls often are combined.
Switchers work at an electronic console in a control room where they select video sources specified by the director during television videotaping sessions and live broadcasts. Switchers integrate program components from sources such as live cameras, videotape, video servers, and special effects and graphic equipment. In general, switchers:
At some television stations, switchers also may direct television productions.
Video editors use non-linear editing systems to blend video recordings together and add video effects, music and audio effects. In general, they:
Graphics operators use computer software to generate opening titles, subtitles and closing credits and may design graphic backgrounds and animations as well. In general, they:
Advancements in graphics technology have made it possible for electronic video graphic operators to produce increasingly sophisticated graphics including 3-dimensional animation.
Depending on their responsibilities, audio and video equipment operators may work entirely at a station or at various remote locations. Most operators work rotating shifts that include afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays. Coping with tight schedules and deadlines can be stressful.
Audio and video equipment operators need:
They should enjoy using electronic equipment to perform precision tasks and troubleshooting problems.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 20 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and May 29, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Operate audio-visual or electronic equipment | 11 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 9 |
| Tasks: Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment at concerts and live events | 9 |
| Tasks: Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment and edit video tape after production | 8 |
| Tasks: Operate mixing, dubbing, editing machinery and equipment | 8 |
| Operate audio-visual or electronic equipment | 7 |
| Other benefits: Free parking available | 6 |
| Experience: 7 months to less than 1 year | 6 |
Audio and video equipment operators need related post-secondary education.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Audio and video equipment operators work for:
Competition is keen in the broadcasting field so new graduates often start at small stations and work in a number of different areas. An interest in music and related experience are definite assets.
Freelancing has become the trend in broadcasting. Increasingly, freelancers are producing programming for new channels as well as existing ones. Contract employment also can be found producing in-house programs such as corporate videos (for example, for safety and technical training, recruiting, sales or marketing). To be successful, freelancers must be talented but also able to establish a network of contacts and make themselves available when needed. A significant investment in equipment may be required to compete and maintain successful businesses.
Experienced audio and video operators may move into more specialized positions. For example, video operators may become video editors. Operators also may advance to technical supervisory positions and, if they have the necessary ability and experience, eventually may become directors or producers.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5225: Audio and video recording technicians occupational group, 79.1% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5225: Audio and video recording technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for audio and video operators vary depending on the size of the operation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $75.00 | $31.15 | $27.39 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $75.00 | $34.78 | $32.96 |
| Top | $15.00 | $75.00 | $37.37 | $34.62 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Public Administration | $73,327 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $53,209 |
Cultural Human Resources Council website: culturalhrc.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 05, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
