At Live Recruitment, we’re seeing a major surge in technical vacancies across agencies in the events industry. From entry-level AV techs to senior technical producers, demand is rising but the most interesting shift is happening in the middle tier.
Over the past year, we’ve noticed a strong flow of candidates for both senior-level and entry-level technical positions, while experienced senior candidates remain available for more strategic, people management and commercially lead roles.
The gap? Midlevel positions that require both hands-on technical expertise and commercial oversight. These are the roles that sit between the kit and the boardroom - bridging suppliers, budgets, and client delivery.
Where the talent Is… and isn’t
Since the world shut down in 2020 during the pandemic, many of the junior level AV candidates fled the industry to find work whilst their industry was shut. When it reopened, the roles weren’t competitive enough to entice all those that had moved to permanent fixed hour roles in other industries due to reasons such as salary. The result? A cohort of missing talent.
A new generation of AV and tech graduates has helped replenish the industry over the last 5 years when the world reopened, while experienced senior candidates remain available for more strategic, peoplemanagement and commercially lead roles. The pandemic left a shortage of mid-level candidates who can combine hands-on technical knowhow with commercial and project management skills. Senior roles remain relatively well-served, but they often lean toward strategy and people management.
Meanwhile, event businesses are increasingly seeking that “in-between” profile - someone who knows the kit, can lead a team onsite, and manage commercial strategy. Similarly, candidates want a role to fit their own desires – some don’t want to leave the hands-on life entirely but also don’t want a senior role.
“The technical events landscape is evolving rapidly, and the demand for mid-level professionals who can combine hands-on expertise with strategic oversight has never been greater. At Live Recruitment, we're seeing agencies prioritise hybrid talent who can manage kit on-site while also driving commercial outcomes. It's an exciting time for candidates looking to carve out a unique space in this dynamic industry” – Laura Kelly, Managing Director of Live Recruitment
Salaries and trends we are seeing
Salaries within the technical events sector continue to reflect both the depth of expertise and the scale of projects delivered. AV Technicians are typically earning between £30,000 and £35,000 plus overtime, with overtime forming a key part of total compensation, while Senior AV Technicians see this rise to £35,000–£45,000, particularly where specialist technical skills are in play.
At project management level, salaries shift upwards, with Technical Project Managers overseeing specifications, budgets and onsite delivery commanding £45,000–£50,000, and Senior Technical Project Managers handling larger, more complex events reaching £50,000–£60,000 and in some cases (those with very large event/budget experience needed) far more. Overtime continues to influence overall pay at technician level, while for project managers, earnings are often shaped by the scale of projects and the degree of client-facing responsibility involved.
Tips for employers
Define the mix - be clear in job specs about how “hands-on” the role really is versus strategic or commercial.
Show progression - entry-level candidates are willing to make a sideways move for visible career pathways and training.
Be transparent - outline responsibilities, benefits, and expectations early, especially for hybrid tech/commercial roles.
Tips for candidates
Entry-Level: Demonstrate technical skills plus eagerness to learn client and project management.
Mid-Level: Highlight both hands-on technical expertise and commercial/budget oversight.
Senior-Level: Emphasise leadership, strategy, and team development experience.
Technical roles are the backbone of successful event delivery and right now the market needs people who can think strategically while staying connected to the kit. If you’re hiring, take the time to define the balance your role needs. If you’re job-hunting, be ready to show where you sit on that spectrum.