Jason Powers is a recording, mixing and live sound engineer based in Portland, OR. He has been part-owner of Type Foundry Recording since 2000.
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Audio engineers use machinery and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects. They work on the production of movies, music recordings, live shows, or video games. They sometimes work under the job titles 'sound engineering technician' and 'audio equipment technician.'
The job typically requires the ability to handle the following duties:
Audio engineers operate the equipment necessary to record sounds for recordings that might be strictly audio or that might also include video. Even if recordings include video, the audio engineer is responsible only for the sounds recorded. Audio engineers also handle equipment necessary for producing the best sound for live performances, such as concerts.
Salaries for audio engineers typically depend on experience and demand. While starting pay may be low, engineers with experience working in more populated settings where there is demand for their services can do quite well.
Source:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
Audio engineers often attend postsecondary vocational programs, which typically take one year.
The set of hard skills audio engineers use on their jobs usually comes from a combination of formal or on-the-job training and experience, but certain soft skills to succeed including the following:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth of 8 percent for the decade ending in 2026. This is slightly better than the 7 percent growth projected for all occupations. Job growth is expected to be better for audio and visual technicians as private businesses seek to do more with video conferencing. However, broadcast technicians are expected to see a 3 percent decline in job growth.
Environments can vary depending on the type of work being done. A lot of audio engineering work is done in studios inside, but audio engineers can work in all kinds of environments. For example, those working at live music venues or for specific musical acts might work in arenas or at outdoor venues.
While some jobs will take place during normal business hours, there is no norm among audio engineers. Television and radio stations typically broadcast 24 hours per day and might need engineers to work at any time. Recording studios also might operate at all times, and audio engineers assisting with live music often work evenings and weekends.
EXPERIENCE
Vocational or on-the-job training is the best way to learn to use the necessary equipment.
CERTIFICATION
After gaining experience, it's possible to earn certification to boost employment prospects.
Some other career opportunities, with median annual salaries, for those interested in careers as audio engineers include:
Source:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017