The Av industry is a fast track to 100k yearly with experience mattering more then a degree and certifications.

The AV industry offers a direct path to earning $100,000 a year, with experience often weighing more heavily than degrees or certifications. It’s important to recognize that graduating high school is a standard expectation for all Americans, not a feat available only to a select few. From 2008 to 2012, I focused solely on classroom work, achieving average grades of A or B without completing projects or homework. I graduated with a GPA below 1.0 and only 12 college credits. While I scored a 3 on many AP tests, I received a 2 in U.S. and World History. My journey took a dark turn as I struggled with heroin addiction and completed my diploma on withdrawal day.

Since then, I’ve invested approximately $5,000 to $6,000 in technical training and certifications, none of which apply directly to my current career. I work as a freelance AV technician and A1, entering my fourth year in the industry in 2025. In this field, practical experience is prioritized over formal education. A four-year degree from a school like Full Sail University often doesn’t guarantee more than $20-$25 an hour at entry-level jobs, which typically pay around $15-$18 per hour.

However, if you stay committed to the industry and demonstrate your ability to adapt to its demands, you can earn $35-$40 an hour by year three in the Washington DC metro area. As an A1, my base hourly rate starts at $50 for walk-ins and $65 for setup, striking the gear, and mixing. The standard workday is 10 hours, with a minimum shift of 5 hours, ensuring at least 5 hours of pay even if you work only 2 hours. For out-of-town jobs, companies cover transportation, lodging, and daily per diem.

In 2023 and 2024, I worked with 6-10 different companies in both W2 and 1099 roles, consistently receiving tax refunds despite not paying taxes until tax season. I averaged between $2,000 and $2,500 weekly from February to Halloween, and $1,500 to $1,800 for the rest of the year, primarily within corporate AV, though I still engage in some music industry work.

My success has nothing to do with a college degree or certifications. It’s all about hands-on experience and my resume. Typically, 75-80% of the time, companies accept my requested rates without negotiation. I often spend two weeks each month away from home for week-long conventions and conferences, bringing home checks of $2,000 to $2,500. Plus, with ample food available at corporate events, I frequently take extra back to my AirBNB.

What I do isn’t just a job; it’s a passion. I genuinely love working in the AV industry, which has greatly improved my life. Finding joy in your work is key to happiness—if you disagree, you may have yet to experience a job you truly enjoy.

My journey into this field shows that college isn’t necessary; neither is a degree. All a degree proves is that you can commit for a few years—nothing more. Consider the burden of student loans; they don’t seem so smart now, do they? Union jobs, degrees, and expensive certifications don’t guarantee high-paying jobs. Regardless, everyone starts at the bottom, needing to prove themselves to climb higher.

In 2024, I earned approximately $110,000, turning 30 in the fall and welcoming my first daughter in August. The first two months of 2025 have been incredible, each bringing in over $10,000. My next goal? To buy my girlfriend a stunning $25,000 ring when I propose, which I plan to do by summer 2025.

If you have questions or want to break into this field, feel free to reach out. I can guide you through the process and, if