Life As a Sound Engineering Technician
Job Description: Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.
Sound Engineering Technician Responsibilities
- Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials, or film postproduction.
- Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
- Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- Tear down equipment after event completion.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Sound Engineering Technician
Below is a list of the skills most Sound Engineering Technicians say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Sound Engineering Technician Job Titles
- Television Production Assistant (TV Production Assistant)
- Master Control Operator
- Sound Printer
- Recordist
- Sound Equipment Mechanic
Is There Job Demand for Sound Engineering Technicians?
In the United States, there were 17,000 jobs for Sound Engineering Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,100 new jobs for Sound Engineering Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Sound Engineering Technician are Washington, Georgia, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in New Mexico, Nebraska, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Sound Engineering Technician
Sound Engineering Technicians make between $25,680 and $117,600 a year.
Sound Engineering Technicians who work in Connecticut, Louisiana, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Sound Engineering Technicians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $39,140 |
| Colorado | $52,990 |
| Connecticut | $87,420 |
| District of Columbia | $79,410 |
| Florida | $56,010 |
| Georgia | $62,640 |
| Hawaii | $42,230 |
| Illinois | $60,500 |
| Iowa | $54,020 |
| Kentucky | $53,490 |
| Louisiana | $88,610 |
| Maryland | $51,670 |
| Massachusetts | $57,110 |
| Michigan | $65,540 |
| Minnesota | $42,840 |
| Missouri | $48,080 |
| Nevada | $57,010 |
| New Jersey | $55,570 |
| New York | $82,030 |
| North Carolina | $51,060 |
| Ohio | $48,060 |
| Oregon | $43,180 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,540 |
| South Carolina | $49,210 |
| Tennessee | $56,940 |
| Texas | $59,810 |
| Utah | $30,240 |
| Virginia | $53,780 |
| Washington | $77,020 |
| Wisconsin | $58,930 |
What Tools do Sound Engineering Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Sound Engineering Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Linux
- UNIX
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Apple macOS
- Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
- Microsoft operating system
How do I Become a Sound Engineering Technician?
Are there Sound Engineering Technicians education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Sound Engineering Technician?
Who Employs Sound Engineering Technicians?
The table below shows the approximate number of Sound Engineering Technicians employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Joalpe via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.