Audio and Video Technician
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Arts, Media & Design career
Sound Engineer
Also called: Audio Engineer · Recording Engineer · Mixing Engineer · Live Sound Engineer
What sound engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a sound engineer do?
Sound engineering technicians operate equipment to record, mix, edit and reproduce sound for music, movies, TV, games and live events. The median pay is $73,130 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months–2 years, and employment is projected to grow -3.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$73,130$35.16/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-3.1%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year1,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train6 months–2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs15,000Employment, 2025
What sound engineers do
Sound engineers make things sound great. In studios they record musicians and voice actors, edit tracks, mix and master songs. In film and TV, they record dialogue, edit sound effects and mix soundtracks. Live sound engineers run concerts, theater and events.
Many engineers complete audio production programs; others learn by assisting in studios. Ears, technical skill and patience matter most. Work is often freelance and competitive.
Typical duties
- Set up microphones and recording equipment
- Record sessions
- Edit audio tracks
- Mix and balance sound
- Master final recordings
- Run live sound for events
- Maintain audio equipment
Work environment and schedule
Engineers work in recording studios, film sets, broadcast facilities, theaters and concert venues.
Schedule: Hours are irregular, with nights and weekends, especially for live sound.
A day in the life
- Set up microphones for a band’s recording session.
- Record drum tracks and check levels.
- Record vocals and guide the artist.
- Edit takes and clean up noise.
See a full day in the life of a sound engineer →
Sound Engineer salary
Half of sound engineers earned more than $73,130 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,570 for the lowest 10% to $137,370 for the top 10%.
Full sound engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a sound engineer
- Learn audio basics
- Train in a program or studio
- Build a portfolio
- Assist experienced engineers
- Advance
Many sound engineers complete a postsecondary audio production program or certificate; others learn on the job.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a sound engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Recording techniques
- Mixing and mastering
- Digital audio workstations
- Microphone selection
- Signal flow
People skills
- Critical listening
- Patience
- Communication
- Calm under pressure
All sound engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative work with music and media
- Variety of projects
- Freelance freedom
- Technical and artistic
Cons
- Irregular income
- Late nights
- Competitive industry
- Hearing risk
Certifications and licenses
- Avid Pro Tools certification: DAW certification.
- Audio engineering certificate: Formal program completion.
- Dante certification: Audio networking credential.
- AVIXA CTS: AV industry certification for live and installed systems.
Career path
- Studio Assistant or Stagehand: Support engineers.
- Sound Engineer: Record and mix.
- Senior or Mixing Engineer: Lead projects.
- Studio Owner or Audio Director: Run a studio or department.
Learn the job before day one
Our Sound Engineer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as set up microphones for a vocal recording and mix a song, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Sound Engineer vs. AV Technician · Sound Engineer vs. Video Editor · Sound Engineer vs. Lighting Technician · Sound Engineer vs. Camera Operator
Sound Engineer FAQ
Do sound engineers need a degree?
Not always; programs and experience help.
Is the work freelance?
Often, especially in music and live sound.
How do I protect my hearing?
Limit exposure and use earplugs.
How much does a sound engineer make?
The median annual wage for sound engineers was $73,130 ($35.16 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,570 and the highest 10% earned more than $137,370.
How long does it take to become a sound engineer?
Most people need about 6 months–2 years of training. Many sound engineers complete a postsecondary audio production program or certificate; others learn on the job.
Do you need a degree to be a sound engineer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More sound engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-4014 (Sound engineering technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Sound engineering technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.