Sound Engineer Salary: What You Need to Know
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a sound engineer, one of the first things you’ll likely want to know is how much money you can make in this field. The answer, as with most careers, varies depending on a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at sound engineer salaries, including what factors can impact your earning potential and what you can do to increase your chances of making a higher salary.
What is a Sound Engineer?
Before we dive into salaries, let’s first define what a sound engineer is. A sound engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of producing and recording sound for a variety of mediums, including music, film, television, and live events. They work closely with musicians, producers, and directors to ensure that the sound quality is of the highest possible standard.
Factors That Impact Sound Engineer Salaries
There are several factors that can impact how much money you can make as a sound engineer. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- Experience: As with most careers, the more experience you have, the more money you can expect to make. Entry-level sound engineers can expect to make less than those who have been in the industry for several years.
- Industry: The industry you work in can also impact your earning potential. For example, sound engineers who work in the music industry may make less than those who work in film or television.
- Location: Where you work can also impact your salary. Sound engineers who work in major cities, such as Los Angeles or New York, may make more than those who work in smaller towns.
- Specialization: Some sound engineers specialize in a particular area, such as live sound or post-production. Those who have specialized skills may be able to command a higher salary.
Sound Engineer Salary Range
So, how much money can you expect to make as a sound engineer? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for broadcast and sound engineering technicians was $45,510 as of May 2020. However, salaries can range from as low as $23,960 for the lowest 10 percent to as high as $90,130 for the highest 10 percent.
It’s worth noting that these figures are for all broadcast and sound engineering technicians, not just sound engineers. Sound engineers may be able to make more or less depending on the factors listed above.
How to Increase Your Sound Engineer Salary
If you’re interested in making a higher salary as a sound engineer, there are a few things you can do to increase your earning potential:
- Gain experience: As mentioned earlier, the more experience you have, the more money you can expect to make. Look for opportunities to work on projects that will help you build your skills and your resume.
- Specialize: Consider specializing in a particular area, such as live sound or post-production. This can make you more valuable to employers and may allow you to command a higher salary.
- Network: Networking is key in any industry, and the sound engineering industry is no exception. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals in the field.
- Education: Consider pursuing additional education or training to increase your skills and knowledge. This can make you more attractive to employers and may allow you to command a higher salary.
Career and Education
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a sound engineer, there are a variety of education and training options available to you. Some sound engineers start with a high school diploma and gain experience through on-the-job training, while others pursue formal education at a college or university.
There are a variety of programs available that can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a sound engineer. For example, New York University offers a Music Technology program through its Tisch School of the Arts. This program covers a variety of topics related to sound engineering, including recording techniques, audio processing, and mixing.
Another option is to pursue a certificate program, such as the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials program offered by Yellowbrick. This online program covers a variety of topics related to the music industry, including sound engineering, and can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Sound engineer salaries can vary depending on a variety of factors, including experience, industry, location, and specialization.
- The median annual salary for broadcast and sound engineering technicians was $45,510 as of May 2020.
- To increase your earning potential as a sound engineer, consider gaining experience, specializing in a particular area, networking, and pursuing additional education or training.
- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in sound engineering, consider programs such as the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials program offered by Yellowbrick.
