Audiovisual Communications Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Audiovisual Communications Technology prepares students to design, produce, and manage multimedia content across digital platforms. This interdisciplinary field integrates technical proficiency with creative expression to deliver compelling visual and auditory experiences in broadcast, digital media, and interactive environments.
- Video Production: Mastery of camera operation, lighting techniques, and on-location shooting to capture high-quality visual content for diverse media applications.
- Audio Engineering: In-depth understanding of sound recording, mixing, editing, and spatial audio design to ensure clarity and impact in multimedia projects.
- Post-Production Editing: Proficiency in digital editing software for assembling, refining, and enhancing video and audio elements with precision and artistic intent.
- Media Design and Visual Effects: Application of graphic design principles and digital effects to create dynamic, engaging visuals that support storytelling and branding.
- Interactive Media Development: Creation of responsive, user-centered digital experiences using multimedia frameworks and emerging technologies such as VR and AR.
- Project Management in Media: Organizational and technical coordination of media workflows, including scheduling, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Audiovisual Communications Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Audiovisual Communications Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Audiovisual Communications Technology degrees, including Film and Video Editors, Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film and Broadcast Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 74,400 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film and Video Editors 27-4032 | $70,980 | $39,170 - $145,900 | 28,860 | $34.12 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 27-4031 | $68,810 | $36,240 - $131,420 | 24,460 | $33.08 |
| Broadcast Technicians 27-4012 | $53,920 | $29,190 - $115,400 | 21,080 | $25.92 |
Audiovisual Communications Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $38,403 in South Dakota to $99,243 in District of Columbia—a 158% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 74,400 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Audiovisual Communications Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering Audiovisual Communications Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Audiovisual Communications Technology is found at Full Sail University (407 graduates), Liceo de Arte y Tecnologia (LAT) (125 graduates), Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) (42 graduates), Northeast Community College (19 graduates), and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) (18 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 684 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sail University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
407 | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| Liceo de Arte y Tecnologia (LAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
125 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | liceo.edu |
| Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
42 | Bossier City, Louisiana | Public | bpcc.edu |
| Northeast Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Associate's
|
18 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Metro Technology Centers (Metro Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | metrotech.edu |
| Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsatech.edu |
| Francis Tuttle Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | francistuttle.edu |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Hampton, Virginia | Public | vpcc.edu |
| Montgomery College (MC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Rockville, Maryland | Public | montgomerycollege.edu |
| Howard Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Columbia, Maryland | Public | howardcc.edu |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | mgccc.edu |
| Webster University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Annandale, Virginia | Public | nvcc.edu |
| Muskegon Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Muskegon, Michigan | Public | muskegoncc.edu |
| Northwest Technology Center (NWTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Alva, Oklahoma | Public | nwtech.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Audiovisual Communications Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Audiovisual Communications Technology degree?
Salaries for Audiovisual Communications Technology graduates vary by role and location. Film and Video Editors earn a median of $70,980 annually, while Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn around $68,810. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $99,243 compared to $38,403 in South Dakota. Approximately 74,400 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Audiovisual Communications Technology programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer Audiovisual Communications Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Full Sail University (407 graduates), Liceo de Arte y Tecnologia (LAT) (125 graduates), and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) (42 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Audiovisual Communications Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 562 in 2010 to a peak of 842 in 2020, before declining slightly to 684 in 2023-24. This represents a 22% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Audiovisual Communications Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Film and Video Editors, Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film, and Broadcast Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 74,400 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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