If you enjoy music, soundtracks or recording, a career in audio production and engineering may interest you. This field offers opportunities to people with musical, technical and interpersonal talents. Learning about careers in this field can help you develop a career plan and identify your professional interests. In this article, we define audio production and engineering and provide a list of 10 relevant careers, with tips for pursuing a job in this field.

What is audio production and engineering?

Audio production and engineering is the science of recording a live performance. This field combines knowledge of the music industry with the ability to use music production software and equipment. Professionals who work in this field typically have advanced knowledge of how to capture the sound from a live performance and apply musical filters and editing software to improve and preserve its quality. This work involves recording in-studio and on-location, editing sound clips and managing media and sound design.

10 careers in audio production and engineering

If you have an interest in working in the entertainment industry, explore these 10 careers in audio production and engineering.

1. Board Operator

National average salary: $33,338/year Primary duties: A board operator controls switches on a control board during performances. Typically, board operators work for live shows where they operate switches for lights and special effects. Their control board also controls microphones, which they turn on for performers at appropriate times. Board operators listen to the director to move switches during a performance.

2. Sound Technician

National average salary: $34,776/year Primary duties: Sound technicians monitor audio during recording and live performances. Their main duty is to adjust levels to ensure a recording with decent audio. During live performances, they mix sound and adjust the volume of performers and accompanying music. Sometimes they have the responsibility to prepare the studio or stage and test equipment.

3. Production Assistant

National average salary: $35,647/year Primary duties: A production assistant is a professional who helps in studios and during performances by performing various duties that relate to the show or recording process. Production assistants work with any member of the production crew and perform tasks such as driving the talent on set, setting up equipment, and helping producers with administrative tasks such as scheduling. They may also relay messages on set and during performances from directors to performers.

4. Sound Engineer

National average salary: $41,128/year Primary duties: A sound engineer maintains recording equipment and helps record audio. They often work in film and record dialogue and ambience. They may also work in a recording studio and assist other engineers. Sound engineers are experts in recording equipment and help maintain mics and other audio recording devices.

5. Radio Operator

National average salary: $43,596/year Primary duties: A radio operator is a professional who transmits radio programming to receivers. They use a control board to transmit and receive audio. They also can use the controls to adjust the audio coming in and out. Radio operators may work in the entertainment industry or for the military in communications.

6. Audiovisual Technician

National average salary: $45,064/year Primary duties: An audiovisual technician helps maintain equipment in studios and at live events. Their primary duties include testing the functions of equipment, such as microphones, and troubleshooting any issues. For live events, they may have the responsibility to set up instruments and sound equipment.

7. Studio Manager

National average salary: $45,389/year Primary duties: A studio manager oversees operations in a recording studio. They schedule artists to come into the studio for recording and work with producers to determine deadlines for projects. A studio manager may also hire staff and help to train them. They’re also responsible for choosing and purchasing equipment for the studio.

8. Editor

National average salary: $50,994/year Primary duties: An editor in audio production focuses on correcting sound in recordings and live performances. Often an editor works on a large project such as a film that requires multiple people to edit different types of sound, including dialogue, music, and Foley. Their duties include listening to audio and making it sound the best it can. This involves adjusting the volume, reducing background noise, and editing for clarity.

9. Broadcast Engineer

National average salary: $74,972/year Primary duties: A broadcast engineer operates a control board to help send electronic signals for television and radio broadcasts. They maintain hardware and software that stations use to share their programming and manage the broadcast schedule to ensure that programming is being broadcast when the station executives require it. Broadcast engineers often use a control board to air commercials, live shows, and queue other programming.

10. Audio Engineer

National average salary: $90,382/year Primary duties: An audio engineer is a professional who records and edits sound for consumer use. Audio engineers often work on recording music for performers or recording soundtracks for films. Their typical job duties include meeting recording artists and clients to determine the production and sound they want. Engineers also edit audio and add special effects.

Tips for pursuing a career in audio production and engineering

Here are some tips to help you obtain a career in audio production and engineering:

Earn a degree:

Many professionals in this field have an associate or bachelor’s degree in audio production and engineering. Other related studies include sound design, electronic media, acoustics, or physics. While some artists may self-teach to develop audio production abilities, earning a degree can give you more credibility and enable you to be more hands-on with your studies. Audio production and engineering degree programs train students to use and care for recording equipment, teach audio production terms, and give techniques on how to record and edit sound. Students learn about the physics of sound so that they can produce audio in different spaces. They also learn about types of equipment and when to use it.  

Get an internship:

Studios offer internships to students so that they can get hands-on experience. It’s useful to find a place to intern because it’s a great opportunity to build your skills and network. Depending on the internship, you may gain experience setting up equipment, such as amplifiers, microphones, and instruments. If you intern for a live show, you may get production assistant experience, where you act as a relay and help set up stage equipment.  

Develop your skills:

Many employers seek a specific skill set for those who work in audio production and engineering. You can begin to develop skills while earning a degree, improve them in an internship, and work on them in your own time. Here are common skills professionals need in this field: Listening: Production artists and engineers need excellent hearing abilities to create professional sound and need good listening skills to create projects according to client requests. Recording and editing: Job duties in this field often include recording sound and editing audio. Problem-solving: Engineers and assistants may troubleshoot issues they have with equipment at live shows or in the studio. Communicating: These professionals work closely with engineers and artists, which requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Handling equipment: This field relies on technology and special equipment to record, edit, and play sound, so professionals are responsible for setting up equipment, maintaining it, and operating it.

Find a mentor:

A mentor is a professional with industry experience who allows you to shadow them as they give you career advice. Finding a mentor and developing this type of relationship is very helpful for professionals in this field because they can help you meet people and develop your skills by presenting hands-on learning opportunities. Knowing the right people can help you become more successful in the entertainment industry. Since mentors have years of experience, they may introduce you to other professionals who can help advance your career.

Grow your professional network:

A professional network can help find job opportunities, keep up with industry trends, and learn new skills. Attending industry events such as conferences, live performances, and award shows is a good way to meet professionals in your field. Try to prepare a pitch, including an introduction of who you are and what you do. You can mention your career goals too since another professional may be able to help you meet them.