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Audio Recording Engineers


Overview

Introduction

Audio recording engineers oversee the technical end of recording. They operate the controls of the recording equipment—often under the direction of a music producer—during the production of music recordings; film, television, and radio productions; and other mediums that require sound recording. Recording engineers monitor and operate electronic and computer consoles to make necessary adjustments, and solve technical problems as they occur during a recording session. They assure that the equipment is in optimal working order and obt...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$43,660

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

Some Postsecondary Training
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Experience

Internships, part-time jobs


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Skills

Computer
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Personality Traits

Creative
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Earnings

The median annual income for sound engineering technicians was approximately $43,660 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. At the low end of the scale, about 10 percent of these workers made less than $23,900. The highest paid 10 percent made $84,250 or more. Audio engineers in the motion picture and video industries often earn higher salaries than those in the music industry....

Work Environment

Recording studios can be comfortable places to work. They are usually air-conditioned because of the sensitivity of the equipment. They may be loud or cramped, however, especially during recording sessions where many people are working in a small space. The work is not particularly demanding physically (except when recording engineers must move equipment), but there may be related stress depend...

Outlook

Employment of sound engineering technicians is expected to grow faster than the average of other professions through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. New computer technology (hardware and software) is rapidly changing the way many recording engineers perform their jobs, making the entire audio recording process easier. These technological advancements will negatively affect job ...