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Playback Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amgen

AV Production Technician

Thousand Oaks, CA

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Serve in multiple live production roles as needed, such as Audio Technician, Video Technician, Virtual Meeting Operator, Graphics Operator, Playback Operator, Streaming Technician, or Technical ...

Amgen, Inc.

AV Production Technician

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Serve in multiple live production roles as needed, such as Audio Technician, Video Technician, Virtual Meeting Operator, Graphics Operator, Playback Operator, Streaming Technician, or Technical ...

SPANISH BROADCASTING

Board Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45/hr

Position Summary The Board Operator performs activities in the radio studio and control room to ... playback. * Automation Management: Input and update time-sensitive weather, traffic, and news ...

Knightscope

Senior Full Stack Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$185K - $250K/yr

This role is the bridge between backend services and the operator-facing experience - you will own ... WebRTC, RTSP, HLS, MP4 playback, and media storage/retrieval via AWS S3 and equivalent cloud ...

Knightscope, Inc.

Senior Full Stack Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

This role is the bridge between backend services and the operator-facing experience - you will own ... WebRTC, RTSP, HLS, MP4 playback, and media storage/retrieval via AWS S3 and equivalent cloud ...

Knightscope

Senior Full Stack Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

This role is the bridge between backend services and the operator-facing experience -- you will own ... WebRTC, RTSP, HLS, MP4 playback, and media storage/retrieval via AWS S3 and equivalent cloud ...

Knightscope, Inc.

Senior Full Stack Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

This role is the bridge between backend services and the operator-facing experience - you will own ... WebRTC, RTSP, HLS, MP4 playback, and media storage/retrieval via AWS S3 and equivalent cloud ...

Knightscope, Inc

Senior Full Stack Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$185 - $250/hr

This role is the bridge between backend services and the operator-facing experience -- you will own ... WebRTC, RTSP, HLS, MP4 playback, and media storage/retrieval via AWS S3 and equivalent cloud ...

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All JobsPlayback Operator JobsPlayback Operator Jobs in California

Playback Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do playback operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for playback operator in California is $22.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a playback operator?

Playback Operators are professionals responsible for managing and operating video, audio, and multimedia playback during live events, broadcasts, or studio productions. They ensure that all pre-recorded content is played at the correct times and coordinates closely with directors and technical teams to maintain smooth transitions and accurate timing. Their role is essential in television, film, live concerts, and virtual events, where precise playback control is crucial for the production's success.

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

To thrive as a Playback Operator, you need a solid understanding of video and audio formats, broadcast workflows, and general AV technology, often supported by relevant education or experience in media production. Familiarity with industry-standard playback systems such as EVS, Avid, or Grass Valley, as well as basic troubleshooting skills, is typically required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing live or pre-recorded content under tight deadlines. These skills ensure seamless broadcast operations, minimize technical errors, and support smooth collaboration within production teams.

What are some common challenges a playback operator may face during live broadcasts, and how can they be managed?

Playback Operators often encounter challenges such as last-minute content changes, strict timing requirements, and technical glitches during live broadcasts. Managing these requires strong attention to detail, quick troubleshooting skills, and effective communication with directors and production staff. Staying organized and maintaining up-to-date playback systems help minimize errors, while rehearsing cue points and having backup plans for critical content ensures smooth delivery under pressure.

What is the difference between Playback Operator vs Video Technician?

AspectPlayback OperatorVideo Technician
Required CredentialsTechnical training, certifications in media or AV technologyTechnical certifications, often in AV or broadcast technology
Work EnvironmentLive events, theaters, broadcast studiosBroadcast stations, production facilities, live events
Employer & Industry UsageEvent production companies, theaters, TV stationsBroadcast networks, AV service providers, production companies

While both roles involve handling video equipment, a Playback Operator primarily manages playback of media during live events or broadcasts, ensuring seamless video presentation. A Video Technician often has broader responsibilities, including setup, troubleshooting, and maintaining video systems. The roles overlap in technical skills and work environments, but Playback Operators focus more on media playback during live productions.

What are popular job titles related to Playback Operator jobs in California?

For Playback Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Playback Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Playback Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Playback Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Playback Operator job openings:

Playback Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playback Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,303 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Virtual Production Engineer

Virtual Producer

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Yorktel is currently seeking a talented, self-directed live production engineer with experience working in a dynamic environment that demands high-quality and efficient results. This position will be responsible for the setup and configuration of control room elements for all event productions. The position will also fill various roles on the production team (Technical Director/Show Calling, Audio Technician, Virtual Operator, Graphics Operator, Video Playback Operator). The candidate should be extremely detail-oriented and have hands‑on experience producing and delivering high quality in person & hybrid live events. The candidate should have the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with competing demands. This role will service and interact with a diverse group of important clients including the customer’s most senior executives as well as internal contacts at all levels. This position will be a part of a team that provides world class customer experience.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years’ experience producing live events for fortune 500 companies
  • Subject matter expertiseoperating control room equipment including video switchers, audio consoles, and video playback software
  • Experience with Analog way Viz RT or other industry standard production switchers
  • Subject matter expertise running an audio console
  • Experience with live event lighting
  • Experience maintaining control rooms
  • Experience with video and audio editing software
  • Project management skills with demonstrated ability to deliver results
  • Experience with virtual/hybrid technology (Vbrick webcast, Webex)
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experiences in Biotech/Pharma is a plus
Preferred Experience
  • Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or Life Sciences
  • Strong leadership presence and interpersonal/communication skills (written and oral).Experience managing technical teams
  • In-depth knowledge of Agile processes and principles
  • Experience with the ITIL process framework and outsourced resource support models
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Established habit of proactive thinking and behavior and the desire and ability to self-start/learn and apply new technologies
  • Thorough understanding related to collaboration tools, computing devices and unified communications products utilized at the customer.
  • Working knowledge in Install, upgrade, image, and support all company desktops/laptops/MacBook hardware/iOS devices, Printers and AV equipment. MS Office 365 support knowledge, including Outlook and MS Teams support
  • Self-motivated/driven and able to work with little supervision or direction.
  • Strong bias for action and results orientation.

Join us and you will enjoy an excellent salary and benefits package, including 401k and Flex 125 plans.

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, Genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

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