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

The AV industry offers a rapid path to earning $100,000 annually, where experience often outweighs degrees and certifications.

Let’s remember: graduating from high school is a standard expectation for all Americans—not a privilege for a select few. Between 2008 and 2012, I focused solely on classroom work, consistently scoring A’s and B’s while skipping projects and homework. I graduated with a GPA below 1.0 and only 12 college credits. My AP tests? Mostly 3s and 2s. After graduating, I faced significant challenges, including a battle with heroin addiction, and I withdrew from life the day I received my diploma.

Since then, I’ve invested around $5,000-$6,000 in technical training and certifications, which I haven’t used in my career. Today, I work as a freelance AV technician and A1, and 2025 marks my fourth year in this field. Here, experience is valued far more than education. A four-year degree from a school like Full Sail doesn’t guarantee a higher starting salary—in fact, many graduates find themselves in entry-level jobs earning about $15-$18 an hour. In contrast, if you dedicate yourself to the industry and demonstrate flexibility, you can expect to earn a minimum of $35-$40 an hour by your third year, at least in the Washington DC metro area.

As an A1, my hourly rate starts at $50 for walk-ins and $65 for setups, strikes, and mixing. Industry standards typically count a 10-hour day and 5-hour half days, ensuring you’re paid for a minimum of 5 hours, even if you work less. When traveling out of town, the company covers transportation, lodging, and daily per diem.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, I worked with 6-10 different companies on a W-2 basis and as a 1099 contractor, consistently receiving tax refunds without paying taxes on my 1099 income until tax season. During peak months, I averaged between $2,000-$2,500 weekly from February to Halloween, followed by $1,500-$1,800 in the off-season, primarily within the corporate AV industry, while still taking on some music-related projects.

I don’t have a college degree or certifications to my name; my on-the-job experience and resume are what secure my opportunities. Most companies don’t negotiate lower than my initial rate. Typically, I work out of town for about two weeks each month, attending week-long conventions and conferences, bringing home earnings of $200-$2,500 per job along with extra per diem for meals—often sharing leftovers from client-provided meals.

This career isn’t just a job for me; it’s my passion, and I genuinely love what I do. Finding fulfillment in your work is essential to happiness. If you disagree, maybe you haven’t yet found a job that you truly enjoy.

My journey over the past four years proves that college isn’t necessary. A degree simply indicates that you can commit to a program—nothing more. Those hefty student loans can weigh heavily if they haven’t already. A union job, degree, or costly certifications don’t guarantee a better starting salary; you’ll likely start at the bottom and need to prove yourself before moving up.

In 2024, I earned around $110,000, and just as I turned 30 and welcomed my first daughter into the world, I saw promising growth at the start of 2025, making over $10,000 in each of the first two months. My next big milestone? Spending $25,000 on an engagement ring to present when I propose to my girlfriend this summer.

If you have any questions about breaking into this field, feel free to reach out. If you’re in the DMV, I might even offer you a paid opportunity to help set up and take down gear for a band. If you express a genuine interest in