What Does it Take to Be a Sound Engineering Technician?
Position 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.
Life As a Sound Engineering Technician
- Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
- Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
- 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.
- Tear down equipment after event completion.
- Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
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
- Production Engineer
- Director
- Audio Recording Engineer
- Mechanic Sound Technician
- Sound Technician
Job Outlook 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. There will be an estimated 1,700 positions for Sound Engineering Technician per 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.
Do Sound Engineering Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
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 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?
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?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Sound Engineering Technicians Work
Sound Engineering Technicians work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: Joalpe via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
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