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Freelance Graphics Operator Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Graphics Operator information

See Boston, MA salary details

$21

$37

$52

How much do freelance graphics operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance graphics operator in Boston, MA is $37.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.29 and $45.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance graphics operator?

Freelance graphics operators are professionals who create, manage, and display visual graphics for live or recorded broadcasts, events, or productions on a contract or per-project basis. They typically work with specialized software and equipment to ensure that graphics such as lower thirds, scoreboards, and animations are correctly displayed in real time. Freelance graphics operators often work for television networks, sports broadcasts, live events, or corporate productions, and may be responsible for both designing graphics and operating the systems during live shows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance graphics operator?

To thrive as a Freelance Graphics Operator, you need strong visual design skills, attention to detail, and experience with broadcast graphics, often backed by a relevant degree or professional portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Vizrt, Chyron, Adobe Creative Suite, and live production systems is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines are crucial soft skills in this role. These combined abilities ensure accurate, timely, and visually engaging graphics that enhance live broadcasts and meet client expectations.

How does a freelance graphics operator typically collaborate with production teams during live broadcasts?

As a Freelance Graphics Operator, you will work closely with directors, producers, and other technical crew members to ensure real-time graphics are displayed accurately during live broadcasts. Communication is key, as you'll often receive last-minute changes or updates that need to be implemented seamlessly. You'll likely participate in pre-broadcast meetings to review the rundown and coordinate cues, and during the broadcast, you'll respond quickly to team instructions to keep on-air visuals in sync with the show's flow. This role requires both technical proficiency and the ability to stay calm under pressure in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Graphics Operator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectFreelance Graphics OperatorGraphic Designer
CredentialsOften requires proficiency in design software, basic technical skillsTypically holds a degree or certification in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, often remote or on-site at client locationsIn-house or freelance, working in studios or remotely
Industry UsageUsed in media, broadcasting, live events, and digital contentUsed across advertising, branding, print, and digital media

While both roles involve visual content creation, a Freelance Graphics Operator primarily manages technical aspects of graphics for live or digital media, often working on specific projects. A Graphic Designer focuses on creating visual concepts, branding, and layouts, often with a broader scope of design work. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their needs.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Graphics Operator jobs in Boston, MA?

For Freelance Graphics Operator jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Graphics Operator jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Graphics Operator jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Graphics Operator job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,353 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Title Audio Visual Manager | Full-Time | Tsongas Center (UMass - Lowell)

Oak View Group

Lowell, MA

$62K - $72K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Oak View Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 36 rated event venues


Job description

Audio Visual Manager | Full-Time | Tsongas Center (UMass - Lowell)
Location US-MA-Lowell
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 2 weeks ago(7/31/2026 5:47 PM)
Job ID 2026-33714
Category Venue Management
Type Regular Full-Time
Location : Location US-MA-Lowell
Job Post Information* : External Company Name Oak View Group
Job Post Information* : External Company URL https://www.oakviewgroup.com/
Location : Postal Code 01852
Location : Address 300 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Job Post Information* : Post End Date 10/30/2026
Group OVG - Venue Management
Overview

The Audio Visual Manager position reports to the Director of Events and will partner heavily with internal/external partners and department heads for the audio/visual and technical needs for the arena and attached spaces. This position will be responsible for A/V schedule coordination and planning in conjunction with the venue's event and maintenance schedules. This position will manage Audio/Visual staff, including part-time, freelancers, and third-party. The position will supervise (and participate, as needed) A/V setups, strikes, and event-by-event change-outs to ensure events are show-ready. This position will be expected to work and supervise staff to the highest safety standards while delivering an exceptional guest experience for a diverse group of guests/clients in the youth, amateur/collegiate, professional, and special events spaces. 

This role pays an annual salary of $62,500 to $72,500.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until October 30, 2026.

Responsibilities

Preparation & Production

  • Manage and take ownership for all use of A/V and technical services involved in the event production and broadcasting at, from, or involving the arena. 
  • This will include, but not be limited to: providing setup/operational technical expertise; granting approval for usage; and leadership for all video, audio, lighting, WiFi/network, and production systems and/or equipment used in or by the venue for event presentation (e.g., control room components, audio booth & equipment, video and camera equipment, LED Daktronics ribbons/video boards, Hawkeye Innovations, 3-Play replay systems, Ross Expressions, marketing and/or PowerPoint presentations, cable interfaces and feeds, etc.).
  • Create in advance and/or modify in real-time industry-leading messaging, graphics, digital or PowerPoint presentations, and video/audio/effects content to support each game/event accordingly.
  • Assist in the creation, management, and evaluation of standard operating procedures for all building A/V matters, presentation or broadcast services, and digital media productions and assets. 
  • Ensure all content is effectively and entirely delivered to all playback, storage, and show control systems in complete compliance with all governing stakeholders and/or policies.
  • Prepare various additional events inside and outside the arena, which may require A/V equipment (e.g., portable sound or video systems) to include press conferences, banquets, pep rallies, etc.
  • Oversee the process and execution of game day production as it refers to the video boards, the audio program, lighting, and all other elements that go into production and in-house shows for sporting events with our tenants at the venue.  

Maintenance & Inventory

  • Ensure all owned and/or utilized A/V equipment remains game/event ready; is properly set up and tested well in advance before time of need; and is constantly monitored to remain in functional, working order throughout the entirety of each current and upcoming event. 
  • Troubleshoot and/or replace non-working aspects immediately so service quality is never interrupted or inexcusably delayed or modified without approval.
  • Ensure all physical A/V spaces and/or storage structures utilized (e.g., control room, audio booth, racks, cabinets, storage closets, cases, conduits, channels, carts, bags, etc.) remain in professional, safe, and functional cleanliness and order. 
  • This expectation certainly extends to shared spaces of the venue as well (e.g., A/V equipment utilized or stored in event rooms/arena lobbies, etc.).
  • All A/V-related materials are to be kept organized, clearly labeled, cleaned, within proper temperature and storage specifications, etc., at all times.  
  • Participate in the development and administration of the ongoing A/V budget. 
  • Frugally forecast needed or excess funds for staffing, equipment repair and/or replacement, and needed materials and supplies. 
  • Order and receive equipment or supplies, as necessary, within budget guidelines. Develop and/or assist with long-range plans for future venue A/V needs to include capital improvements that will enhance events and presentation capabilities while maintaining industry-leading standards of excellence and compliance.
  • Perform on-going as well as annual inventory of all A/V equipment and provide this information both to necessary leaders as well as to required filing/storing methods for information
  • Assist with a capital improvement plan, including creating or maintaining a long-term plan for the replacement of equipment, gathering quotes, and discussing upcoming needs with GM and other key stakeholders. 

Personnel & Involvement

  • Serve as a positively contributing member of a dynamic and diverse venue management team in collaboration with the university, city, community, tour groups, event leaders, promoters, and other stakeholders. 
  • Maintain a customer-first mentality, which provides a safe and welcoming environment for all. 
  • Attend or represent OVG and UML functions with professionalism and pride.
  • Recruit, select, schedule, motivate, and evaluate A/V and technical staff from the existing part-time employee pool as well as third-party or freelance contractors. 
  • Provide or coordinate staff training (and frequent cross-training) as necessary and work with employees to correct any deficiencies. 
  • Assist with administering disciplinary or promotion procedures. 
  • Assist with payroll, venue access issues, and parking validation for part-time staff, as needed. 
  • Collaborate well in advance-and constantly-with marketing, corporate partnerships, university leadership, event promoters, etc., to understand their needs, arrange for services, and surpass desired expectations at an industry-leading, approved, tested, and ready-to-go level through creative deployment of available technology and equipment.  
  • View every interaction as a future investment.
  • Assist in managing third-party service providers by enforcing any agreed-upon scope of services within the various signed service agreements (i.e., freelance and union production crewing agencies, maintenance providers, contractors, digital signage service providers, etc.).
  • Perform duties including lifting, carrying, moving, walking extensively throughout the building, working from various heights, and working within an environment with moderate to loud noises.
  • Ensure staff are working safely and efficiently and are aware of and practicing proper safety guidelines.
  • Work extended and/or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • 3-5 years of A/V and technical experience in a sports and entertainment facility. Experience in a sports complex and/or arena is preferred. 
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience.
  • Experience in arena/stadium operations and events.
  • Supervisory experience highly preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.
  • Must be a self-starter, proactive, flexible, and deadline-focused.
  • Extensive knowledge of video and/or scoreboard production in a sports and entertainment facility.
  • Previous experience integrating, implementing, or refreshing broadcast control room equipment, including familiarity with modern broadcast cabling infrastructure used in broadcast environments.
  • Exemplary communication skills and professionalism to deal effectively with all business contacts, vendors, and clients.
  • Knowledge and previous experience working with the NCAA and concert/family/event show promoters.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability and confidence to present and communicate new ideas and concepts and describe and document issues as well as their solutions. 
  • Ability to terminate AV cables (i.e., Cat 6, BNC, XLR, Triax, etc.).
  • Proven understanding of guest and customer service.
  • Forklift certified or willing to be certified, as necessary.
  • Knowledge and practice of OSHA requirements at all times.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain within 3 months of being hired, a valid CPR/AED certificate.

Skills:  

  • Proficient knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software.
  • Operate standard office equipment, including printers, copiers, and computers.
  • Proficient knowledge and use of mobile or land-line phones and email services.
  • Abilities to work with graphic programs or create graphics 
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely and get messages across that have the desired effect.

Working Conditions:  

  • Minimal Travel (<10% of work time) may be required to travel for UML functions. Trips may require air travel and/or an overnight stay away from home for one or more nights.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, inclusive of weekends, nights, and holidays as required.
  • Frequent bending; lifting heavy objects; sitting; standing; exposure to multiple external elements; extensive walking through the building, including inclines and stairs.
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