Sound Engineering Technicians

SOC code 27-4014 · O*NET-SOC 27-4014.00 · Medium preparation needed

Sound Engineering Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$73,130

a year

Hourly

$35.16

per hour

10th$37,570Median$73,13090th$137,370

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$81,390

$39.13 per hour

Middle 50%

$49,910 – $100,280

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,570 – $137,370

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

13,080

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,570; $18.06/hr
25th percentile: $49,910; $23.99/hr
Median percentile: $73,130; $35.16/hr
75th percentile: $100,280; $48.21/hr
90th percentile: $137,370; $66.04/hr

What does a sound engineering technician do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.

How to become a sound engineering technician

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 32% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
Post-Secondary Certificate20%
Bachelor's Degree20%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%

Common questions

How much does a sound engineering technician earn?

The national median is $73,130 a year. The full range runs from $37,570 at the 10th percentile to $137,370 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a sound engineering technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.8/5
Speaking3.6/5
Critical Thinking3.5/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Writing3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics4.6/5
Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Fine Arts3.8/5
English Language3.7/5
Engineering and Technology3.7/5
Communications and Media3.5/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
Administration and Management2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Judgment and Decision Making.