What Do Sound Engineering Technician Do?
Occupation 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.
Daily Life Of a Sound Engineering Technician
- Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials, or film postproduction.
- Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
- Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
- Keep logs of recordings.
- Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
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Sound Engineering Technician Required Skills
These are the skills Sound Engineering Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Sound Engineering Technician
- Audio Engineer
- Broadcast Engineer
- Video Editor
- Sound Engineer
- Public Address System Installer
Is There Going to be 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.
How Much Does a Sound Engineering Technician Make?
The average yearly salary of a Sound Engineering Technician ranges between $25,680 and $117,600.

Sound Engineering Technicians who work in Connecticut, Louisiana, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Sound Engineering Technicians make in each U.S. state?
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Sound Engineering Technicians:
- 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 to Become a Sound Engineering Technician
What education is needed to be a Sound Engineering Technician?

What work experience do I need to become a Sound Engineering Technician?

Who Employs Sound Engineering Technicians?

Sound Engineering Technicians work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Joalpe via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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