Overview

To some, the term “audio engineer” represents a limited number of career possibilities; in fact, the opposite is true. There many career choices available to an audio engineer, because there are many places where those particular skills are needed. For example, a career in audio can mean working in (or owning) a recording studio, or handling live sound for a concert. You might be in charge of running the audio for a performance venue, or you could go on the road, running sound for a band on tour. Audio engineers provide the sound for television shows and live telecasts, and for almost every film since the end of the silent movie era. They even bring their expertise to designing the acoustics of a room. As you can see, the career possibilities are many.

An audio engineer is more than a “sound person;” he or she is an expert in the management of acoustics and sound. Audio engineers know the techniques for controlling frequencies, volume, and reverberation, manipulating these and other aspects to make the sound pleasing to the ear, whether in a live room and on record. Good engineers know how to think on their feet, using their expertise to solve problems on the fly. Even so, they are more than just problem solvers–they are artists. If you have a good ear, some technical savvy and creative ability, audio engineering could be just the career move for you.

Average Salary: $47,490 Top Salary: $92,700 Entry Level Salary: $15 Average Hours: 40+ Strong Markets: Metropolitan areas Job Growth Forecast: 6%

Sound engineering technicians operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theatre productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.

Average Salary:

$47,490

Average Hours (per week):

Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common.

Union:

None

Certifications:

None

Training Period:

Sound engineering technicians usually complete a vocational program, which can take about a year, although there are shorter programs. Prospective technicians should take high school courses in math, physics, and electronics. Technicians need to have excellent computer training to be successful in this field. Read More...

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Average Salary: $32,900 Top Salary: $66,550 Entry Level Salary: $11 Average Hours: 40+ Strong Markets: Metropolitan areas Job Growth Forecast: 2%

Broadcast technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. They control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. They operate transmitters to broadcast radio or television programs.  Sample job titles include: broadcast engineer, and audio engineer.

Average Salary:

$32,900

Average Hours (per week): Read More...

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Average Salary: $38,050 Top Salary: $66,030 Entry Level Salary: $13 Average Hours: 40+ Strong Markets: Metropolitan areas Job Growth Forecast: 13%

AV technicians set up, and/or operate audio and video equipment, including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment. They may do this for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, or news conferences, among other possible events. They may also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems. Sample job titles include: production assistant, audio visual technician, master control operator (MCO), broadcast engineer, stagehand, videographer, audio/visual manager, audio/visual operator, equipment technician, master control engineer

Average Salary:

$38,050

Average Hours (per week): Read More...

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For those of you who are looking to get your foot in the door towards a career in audio engineering, you will find that getting your foot in the door will become a way of life for you if you’re to have any chance of success working as an independent in the recording industry. You need to get into the mindset that YOU are the one who makes things happen. You have to become an entrepreneur. If you only expect to engineer, you’re already behind the curve. If you own some good gear, that helps. If you can play an instrument or two, that’s even better. If you’re out there in the clubs and know artists and bands and can get them in to record, that’s another big plus. If you can produce, that’s another feather in the possibility hat. Read More...

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Average Salary: $26,090 Top Salary: $63,000 Entry Level Salary: $19,000 Job Growth Forecast: up 9%

A lead audio technician has to be able to make transfers to and from various types of audio recording and playback equipment and that includes digital storage devices. The industry is characterized by a large number of seasonal and part-time jobs and relatively young workers. There is competition for this job in major metropolitan areas, because the pay generally is better. Overall, earnings are relatively low, but better in small cities. Read More...

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Average Salary: $43,010 Top Salary: $90,770 Entry Level Salary: $21,050 Job Growth Forecast: up 9%

What they do:
A sound technician is usually responsible for making sure the sound coming from a live or taped source is processed as clearly as possible. Sound technicians operate control panels and direct the operation of equipment to regulate the clarity of the sound range and signal strength. Typically the sound is being recorded or edited. The sounds that are processed can include music, voices, and special effects. Sound technicians work for a variety of commercial and entertainment purposes. Technicians also maintain and take care of their equipment. They also often are in charge of a crew of technicians who perform other sound engineering chores, such as setting up microphones and running cables. Read More...

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Average Salary: $36,870 Top Salary: $82,510 Entry Level Salary: $18,540 Average Hours: 60 Job Growth Forecast: up 9%

What they do:
Recording, or audio engineering, is a part of audio science dealing with the recording and reproduction of sound. Operate audio equipment to record and edit music, dialog and sound effects for films, videos, radio and television programs and recordings. The mixing board is a recording engineer’s best friend, as they operate equipment to record, mix and edit sound, music and videotape for motion pictures, television and radio programs, videos, music recordings and live events. This field draws on many disciplines — electrical engineering, acoustics, as well as music. A recording engineer is close to the creative and technical aspects of audio and they need to be good at different types of recording media, such as analog tape, digital multi-track recorders and workstations. Read More...

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