Sound Engineering Technicians
O*NET 27-4014.00 · SOC 27-4014
Sound Engineering Technician is a risky career choice. Median pay is $73k a year with -3.1% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 1,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Set up and position microphones for recording sessions
- →Mix audio tracks using soundboard and mixing software
- →Adjust equalization and levels to achieve desired sound quality
- →Record musicians, voice actors, or dialogue in studio settings
- →Master final audio recordings for distribution or broadcast
Education & How to Get In
Most Sound Engineering Technician positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Sound Engineering Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Sound Engineering Technician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Sound Engineering Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Sound Engineering Technicians is projected to decline 3.1% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Sound Engineering Technician make?
The median Sound Engineering Technician earns $73k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Sound Engineering Technician jobs?
Our model puts Sound Engineering Technician at 35 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Sound Engineering Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 3.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 1,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Sound Engineering Technician?
Most Sound Engineering Technician roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Sound Engineering Technician?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Sound Engineering Technician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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