Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Audio Engineer
- Mixing Engineer
- Recording Engineer
- Sound Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Acoustical Consultant
- Acoustical Engineer
- Audio DSP Engineer (Audio Digital Signal Processor Engineer)
- Audio Engineer
- Audio Operator
- Audio Recording Engineer
- Audio Technician (Audio Tech)
- Audio Video Engineer
- Disc Recordist
- Dub Room Engineer
- Film Recordist
- Film Sound Coordinator
- Film Sound Engineer
- Mastering Engineer
- Mechanic Sound Technician (Mechanic Sound Tech)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Fine Arts
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Auditory Attention
- Near Vision
- Fluency of Ideas
- Selective Attention
- Originality
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Innovation
- Adaptability
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Git
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
Tools & Equipment
- 1/3 octave equalizers
- Amplifiers
- Audio compressors
- Audio filters
- Audio mixer consoles
- Cable testers
- Channel equalizers
- Condenser microphones
- Desktop computers
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital delay pedals
- Digital oscilloscopes
- Digital samplers
- Dynamic microphones
- Dynamics processors
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Level of Competition
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,600 |
| Median | $66,430 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $134,980 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 13,050
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Audio and Video Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $54,830
Broadcast Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $53,920
Lighting Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $60,560
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $77,180
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $50,620
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.