Sound Engineering Technicians
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.
Also called: Acoustical Consultant, Acoustical Engineer, Audio DSP Engineer (Audio Digital Signal Processor Engineer), Audio Engineer, Audio Operator, Audio Recording Engineer
Median pay
$73,130
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,570 – $137,370
People employed
13,080
Holland code
RAC
Realistic · Artistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Sound Engineering Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (34 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What sound engineering technicians do
- 01Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
- 02Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- 03Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
- 04Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- 05Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- 06Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Fine Arts
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from sound engineering technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment63% · +1%
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians62% · +13%
- Media Technical Directors/Managers62% · group pay
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians60% · +2%
- Prepress Technicians and Workers60% · −33%
Change into sound engineering technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Prepress Technicians and Workers74% · $48,690
- Motion Picture Projectionists71% · $38,270
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators68% · $40,610
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers67% · $52,540
- Gem and Diamond Workers61% · $52,540
Majors that lead here
- Communications Technology/Technician
- Recording Arts Technology/Technician
- Audio Engineering Technology/Technician
- Music Technology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.