Sound Engineering Technician

Your Fit

Income

$66K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-1.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Sound Engineering Technician?

A Sound Engineering Technician is a professional who specializes in recording, manipulating, and reproducing sound. They operate audio equipment to capture, enhance, and amplify sound for various productions, including music, film, television, and live events.

Sample job titles:

Audio Engineer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, Sound Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Sound Engineering Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Sound Engineering Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$48K per year	$66K per year	$100K per year	$135K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Sound Engineering Technician do?

Work environment

Sound Engineering Technicians typically work in recording studios, concert halls, film and television production sets, and at live event venues. Their environment can vary from quiet studios to noisy outdoor settings, requiring flexibility and adaptability. Work hours may be irregular, often including nights and weekends, depending on project deadlines and event schedules.

Quick task list

Sets up and operates sound equipment.
Records, edits, and mixes audio tracks.
Ensures sound quality and clarity during live productions.
Maintains and repairs audio equipment.
Collaborates with producers, performers, and other technicians.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Studio Recording: Focusing on recording and mixing music in a studio setting.
Live Sound: Managing and operating audio equipment for concerts and live events.
Post-Production: Specializing in sound editing and mixing for film and television.
Broadcasting: Working on sound for television and radio broadcasts.
Field Recording: Capturing audio on location for various productions.

Description

Sound Engineering Technicians are the unseen heroes behind the high-quality audio in various media and live events. They require a blend of technical knowledge and creative skill to capture and enhance sound. Technicians must be familiar with a wide range of audio equipment and software, and they need to stay updated with the latest technology in the industry. Their role is critical in setting the right tone and mood for productions, making their contributions essential to the overall audience experience.

The occupation demands precision and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Successful Sound Engineering Technicians often possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of personalities, from artists and performers to technical crews.

This career offers a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same. It provides opportunities to work on a variety of projects, from music albums and live concerts to film productions and broadcasts. For those with a passion for sound and music, it can be a highly rewarding and stimulating career.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in producing high-quality audio for various productions.
Working on a diverse range of projects and events.
The opportunity to collaborate with creative professionals and artists.
Seeing the direct impact of your work on a production's success.

You might make a good Sound Engineering Technician if you are...

Passionate about music and sound, with a keen ear for audio quality.
Technically proficient with sound equipment and software.
Able to work well under pressure and adapt to changing environments.
A good communicator and team player.
Creative and enjoy solving complex audio challenges.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from studios to live venues.
Potential to collaborate with artists and creative professionals.
Dynamic and engaging work that changes with each project.
Satisfaction in enhancing the auditory experience of a production.

Cons:

Irregular and long work hours, often during evenings and weekends.
High-pressure situations, especially during live events.
Need for continuous learning to keep up with evolving audio technologies.
Potentially competitive job market.

How to become a Sound Engineering Technician

Typical education

While some positions may only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, many employers prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in audio engineering, sound technology, or a related field, which can take 2-4 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Music and Music Technology to understand the basics of sound and music production.
Physics to grasp the fundamentals of acoustics and sound.
Information Technology or Computer Science for technical skills relevant to modern sound equipment.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining or forming a band or music club to gain practical experience with sound.
Volunteering to manage sound for school events, plays, or concerts.
Participating in local community theater or radio stations for hands-on experience.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a vocational program or an associate's/bachelor's degree in sound engineering, audio technology, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships at recording studios, radio stations, or with live sound crews.
Seek certifications in specific sound technologies or software.
Build a portfolio of work through freelance projects or collaborations.

More resources

Audio Engineering Society (AES) - Offers resources, education, and networking opportunities in audio engineering.
SoundGirls - A resource for women in professional audio and music production, offering support and networking opportunities.
ProSoundWeb - Provides industry news, educational articles, and forums for sound engineering professionals.
Gearslutz - An online community for discussing audio gear and recording techniques.

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