Sound engineering technicians
SOC Code: 27-4014Also known as:
Acoustical Consultant, Acoustical Engineer, Audio DSP Engineer (Audio Digital Signal Processor Engineer), Audio Engineer, Audio Operator
Median Annual Salary
$66,430
-1.7% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
17K
Current Jobs
What Sound engineering technicians Do
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.
💰 Salary
$66,430
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-1.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
16,900
Projected Employment (2034)
16,600
Related Careers
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
$77,180 •
+0.6% growth
Audio and video technicians
$54,830 •
+3.3% growth
Broadcast technicians
$53,920 •
-2.8% growth
Lighting technicians
$60,560 •
-4.6% growth
Audiovisual equipment installers and repairers
$50,620 •
+6.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
- Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
- Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
- Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
- Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
- Keep logs of recordings.
- Tear down equipment after event completion.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Sound engineering technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a sound engineering technicians:
Recording Arts Technology/Technician
3,658 degrees awarded •
169 colleges offer this program
Music Technology
1,938 degrees awarded •
120 colleges offer this program
Communications Technology/Technician
1,043 degrees awarded •
40 colleges offer this program
Audio Engineering Technology/Technician
76 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Sound engineering technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become sound engineering technicians.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | 28 | A |
| 2 | Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles, CA | 12 | B+ |
| 3 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | 157 | B |
| 4 | Tulsa Technology Center | Tulsa, OK | 63 | B |
| 5 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | 47 | B |
| 6 | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 35 | B |
| 7 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | 35 | B |
| 8 | Elon University | Elon, NC | 26 | B |
| 9 | California State University-Dominguez Hills | Carson, CA | 24 | B |
| 10 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | 22 | B |
| 11 | Portland State University | Portland, OR | 21 | B |
| 12 | American University | Washington, DC | 20 | B |
| 13 | Manatee Technical College | Bradenton, FL | 15 | B |
| 14 | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | 14 | B |
| 15 | Valencia College | Orlando, FL | 166 | C+ |
| 16 | Belmont University | Nashville, TN | 145 | C+ |
| 17 | Southern Utah University | Cedar City, UT | 83 | C+ |
| 18 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 66 | C+ |
| 19 | St Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | 56 | C+ |
| 20 | Houston Community College | Houston, TX | 56 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sound engineering technicians make?
The median annual salary for sound engineering technicians is $66,430.
What education do sound engineering technicians need?
Most sound engineering technicians positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Recording Arts Technology/Technician, Music Technology, Communications Technology/Technician.
Is becoming sound engineering technicians a good career choice?
Sound engineering technicians is projected to see -1.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for sound engineering technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring sound engineering technicians include
Johns Hopkins University, Loyola Marymount University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tulsa Technology Center, Rowan University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to sound engineering technicians?
Sound engineering technicians may also be known as: Acoustical Consultant, Acoustical Engineer, Audio DSP Engineer (Audio Digital Signal Processor Engineer), Audio Engineer, Audio Operator, Audio Recording Engineer, Audio Video Engineer, Disc Recordist, Dub Room Engineer, Film Recordist, Film Sound Coordinator, Film Sound Engineer, Mastering Engineer, Mechanic Sound Technician (Mechanic Sound Tech), Mechanical Sound Technician (Mechanical Sound Tech), Mixer, Mixing Engineer, Mixing Operator, Mixing Technician (Mixing Tech), Music Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.