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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Sound Engineering Technicians

Median Salary
59,430
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of broadcast, sound, and video technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 12,900 openings for broadcast, sound, and video technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$31,200

10%

$59,430

Median

$118,970

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    22%

  • Associate's degree

    22%

  • High school

    18%

  • Less than high school

    18%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    11%

  • Some college

    7%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Music Technology
  • Recording Arts Technology/Technician
  • Communications Technology/Technician
  • Audio Engineering Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Fine Arts
  • Communications and Media
  • Customer and Personal Service

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.