Sound engineers operate and maintain the equipment that is used to record, mix, and broadcast audio for radio, film, video and live productions. They set up and work mixing boards, microphones and other technical devices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the terms engineer, operator, and technician are often used interchangeably when discussing this line of work.
The BLS says that sound engineers generally work in studio settings but can work at various venues, including outdoors, depending on the specifics of the project. It is possible that a sound engineer may work in bad weather and even dangerous conditions, and may be required to climb high towers or poles and do heavy lifting. Hours of work can vary depending on the place of employment. According to the BLS, sound engineers usually work 40-hour weeks but can experience strict deadlines. It is possible to work exceptionally long days, weekends, holidays, nights and early mornings as well.
Sound engineers usually complete a year-long vocational program, according to BLS. To form a strong base of knowledge for the type of learning that is required to become a successful sound engineer, the BLS suggests taking math, physics and electronics. It says that excellent computer skills are required to fully succeed as a sound engineer. Engineers and technicians can also earn associate and bachelor's degrees; they are not required but can assist when searching for employment. The BLS also says that high school audio/visual clubs and broadcasting courses can help a potential sound engineer gain experience.
Twenty-nine percent of sound engineers work in the broadcasting industry, according to BLS, along with 15 percent work in the recording, motion picture and video industries. About 13 percent are self-employed. It is possible to work as a sound engineer in any city or state but the most and highest-paying jobs exist in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C. The BLS says that people searching for entry-level jobs are expected to face stiff competition over the next 10 years, especially in major metropolitan areas.
The average annual pay for sound engineers was $47,490 in 2008, according to BLS. The highest-paid earned as much as $92,700 with the lowest-paid earning, $23,790. The BLS says that the television industry pays better than radio and stations in larger markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, pay better than smaller markets. The highest concentration of sound engineers work in California, earning an average of $31.27 an hour.