How Much Do Audio Engineers Make? – Things To Know
Do you consider pursuing a career in the entertainment business as an audio engineer; or maybe you’re just curious on how much the people behind the audio controls make with what they do.
Before we discuss to you how much do audio engineers make, we will help you understand what they do for the industry.
The Job
Audio engineers, also called sound engineering technicians or audio equipment technicians, record, synchronize, mix, and reproduce music, voices, and sound effects. Some may be engaged in music production, video game sound design, or ringtone creation. Technology makes the possibilities endless!
Most audio engineering jobs are based inside studios. However, audio engineers are also present in live music venues and other outdoor arenas for varying musical acts.
An audio engineer fulfills the following duties:
- Collaborate with producers, musicians, and voice actors
- Ensure that clients avail quality standards
- Give oversight during live productions
- Minimize unwanted sounds in tracks
- Regulate the volume levels and sound quality
- Set-up ambient sound microphones
- Proper maintenance and repair of equipment
Education
One can say that the ultimate qualification to be a sound engineer is your passion for the recording arts. If you have this, you’ll be willing to gain technical know-how and navigate the industry with grit.
To start, you may enroll in a formal audio production school or engage in courses offered online. These are vocational programs that last for a few months to a whole year. You may decide to take a general audio engineering course and proceed to more specialized courses.
As a student, you will learn to operate sound engineering equipment. You may find it more practical to enroll in courses that will allow you to work on the machines hands-on to develop your manual dexterity and other technical skills.
Certification
The Society of Broadcast Engineers offers an examination to grant audio engineers a certification. To take the exam, you must have 5-year experience in the field.
However, a certification is not a basic requirement for most audio engineering jobs. After completing a course, you can apply for jobs that will enrich your skills.
Of course, the salary is a great motivation. How much money do audio engineers make? Find out as you read along.
Salary
How much does an audio engineer make per year in the United States or in any other country will depend on one’s expertise and experience. Here are the numbers for your reference:
- Entry-level – $12.15 per hour; $25,269 annually
- Junior-level – $17.29 per hour; $35,961 annually
- Mid-level – $25.59 per hour; $53,222 annually
- Senior-level – $37.87 per hour; $78,768 annually
- Top-level – $53.89 per hour; $112,095 annually
Conclusion
Information on how much do audio engineers make and the exciting things they do may have convinced you to start learning sound engineering. Remember, audio engineers do not only deal with the technical side of things. You will be working with people, and the job entails good problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
