Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Sound Engineering Technicians
Also called: Audio Engineer, Audio Operator, Mastering Engineer, Mixing Engineer
US median pay
$73,130
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-3.1%
declining
Openings a year (US)
1,000
15,000 employed
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Operations Monitoring3.2/5
- Operation and Control3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Systems Analysis3.1/5
- Service Orientation3.1/5
- Coordination3.1/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Fine Arts3.8/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Engineering and Technology3.7/5
- Communications and Media3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Postsecondary nondegree award.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma32%
- Bachelor's degree20%
- Post-secondary certificate20%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.