Sound Engineering Technicians
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
Recording sessions and live performances both start with choosing and placing microphones, then testing the gear before anyone performs. During the session, volume and sound quality are controlled from the console while speech, music, and effects are captured. Later, instruments, vocals, and other tracks are separated and mixed, and voices, music, and taped effects are edited for the finished piece: film, theater, podcasts, sports, and similar work. Producers and performers are consulted on the sound they want, and equipment faults are reported so repairs get done. Suits people who like precise technical work, careful listening, and solving sound problems in studio and live settings.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$73'130
Median Wage Market Position
$73'130
What you might do
- Record speech, music, and other sounds
- Control volume and quality at the console
- Mix instruments, vocals, and sound effects
- Talk with producers about the desired sound
- Set up and test recording equipment
- Place microphones before a recording session
Skills that matter
- Listening for the sound a production needs
- Talking with producers about desired sound
- Mixing voices, music, and sound effects
- Setting up and testing microphones
- Regulating volume during recording sessions
- Separating and combining recorded tracks
AI & the future of this role
AI-assisted mixing, cleanup, and editing tools can already handle much of post-production audio work. Live events and complex creative mixes still call for experienced ears and gear skills, though those niches may not offset pressure elsewhere.
Does Sound Engineering Technicians fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details