How much do audio video companies charge per hour?

In our field we often questioned about our rates, we are often valued lower than other trades.  Most people know the cost to even get the plumber to knock on your door is $100.  How much have you paid a HVAC company to fix your A/C on a hot summer day?  There is a real hesitation when the cost to have an experienced AV technician cost the same or more.

Let’s start with some average cost per hour for different trades from Home Advisor:

                Plumber

                                Apprentice $20-$40.  Journeyman $45-$90. Master $70-130.

                Electrician

                                $50 to $100 per hour with average visit between $12-$522.

                HVAC

                                $75 to 150 per hour with average spending on a trip between $144-$451.

Technologies in the home such as networks, steaming services, whole house audio, lighting and just simple TV mounting is often perceived to be DIY.  The reality is our industry is a vibrant, licensed, educated and very diverse trade.  Most trades know one type of technology, a HVAC tradesman understands a handful of brands that basically do all the same things.  Those systems, specially designing them takes talent and experience to plan, install, calibrate and maintain.  It takes years of time, trade school or even college to be a journeyman.  Electricians are the same, they understand a few technologies that we have been using for decades and replicate that over and over.  These are very skilled workers; they spend thousands of hours to command their rates.  They deserve it and get it.

Now let us talk about my brothers and sisters in our audio video trade.  What do AV companies do?  Most AV companies do but not limited to, Audio (Surround Sound, House Audio, Intercom), Video (Projection, Digital Displays, Home Televisions, Outdoor TV), Networking (Dedicated and configured routers, switches, access points), Lighting (installing, designing, calibrating), Outdoor Systems (lighting, music, video), Structured Wiring (fiber, CAT6, coax, conduit), Security/Surveillance (cameras, security systems, access control) and Automation (universal control systems, making systems work together).

Every one of these items mentioned are a trade within themselves, every one of those items takes years of experience to master, every on of those items have countless brands, models and installation options.  I personally have an extensive knowledge of construction helping my contractor father most of my young life.  I have been married to and had many interior designer friends and absorbed many of their skills in my decision making.  I must educate myself constantly to keep up with ever changing technology.  The full quote that is often cut short, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." 

As an employer I can tell you, it is difficult to find someone that can run wire through wall on a construction site, setup a network with multiple access points, program an automation system and keep their shirt tucked in and show up on time.

In our region an AV company charges somewhere between $75 and $150 per hour for a technician depending on type of call and service.  We still have to be licensed, insured, pay for fuel, vehicle maintenance, benefits, unemployment and more.  As an owner we still must pay for continued education and update team with new technologies.

Audio Video companies and their people deserve what they are asking, most new employees with little experience make $15 per hour and lead technicians $25 per hour or up to $75,000 a year. 

Remember like all trades, the Audio Video trade is a complicated, versatile, high skill level career.  Years of experience goes far in providing the best referrals, installations and results for the product and services you enjoy most.  My hope is when you want a skilled person to help you with your needs you love and respect the rates they command.