Sound Engineering Technicians
Medium50.93%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$36,160
Median$59,430
High (90th %)$132,940
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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 occupation "Sound Engineering Technicians" has an automation risk of 50.9%, which is slightly lower than its base risk of 51.8%. This moderate risk reflects the nature of the tasks involved, many of which can be partially automated while others still require significant human expertise. Automation technologies have made strides in areas such as sound recording, mixing, and media conversion, allowing machines to execute repetitive and well-defined tasks with increasing efficiency. However, the nuances of creative decision-making and client interactions still pose challenges for full automation. The top three most automatable tasks include recording speech, music, and other sounds using recording equipment; conferring with producers and performers to achieve the desired sound; and separating, combining, and mixing tracks during postproduction. These activities often involve routine operations that can be standardized or enhanced by algorithms and digital tools. For example, software can now automatically balance levels, identify instruments, and even mimic certain aspects of human judgment during the recording and mixing process. This means many foundational technical tasks in sound engineering may soon require less human intervention. Conversely, the tasks most resistant to automation—such as creating MIDI programs for customized music projects, converting recordings into digital formats for editing, and tearing down equipment post-event—demand higher levels of adaptability, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving. Bottleneck skills such as originality (rated at 3.4% and 3.3%) further insulate the profession from full automation, as creating unique audio experiences and adapting to diverse production environments remain difficult for machines. Although automation will continue to impact the field, the blend of technical and creative skills inherent to sound engineering technicians ensures ongoing demand for human oversight and artistic input.
Filter by Automatable Status
Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
Partially Automatable
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
Partially Automatable
Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
Partially Automatable
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
Non-Automatable
Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
Partially Automatable
Keep logs of recordings.
Automatable
Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
Partially Automatable
Synchronize and equalize prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.
Partially Automatable
Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
Partially Automatable
Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
Partially Automatable
Tear down equipment after event completion.
Non-Automatable
Convert video and audio recordings into digital formats for editing or archiving.
Automatable
Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
Partially Automatable
Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials, or film postproduction.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesTime ManagementManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems Analysis
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingPublic Safety and Security
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft VisioAudio editing softwareAvid Pro ToolsAdobe PhotoshopFacebookAdobe Creative Cloud softwareApple macOSAdobe Premiere ProAutodesk AutoCADOracle JavaUNIXVMwareMicrosoft operating systemCisco IOSGitIBM MiddlewareReal time operating system RTOS softwarePerforce softwareUnity Technologies UnityAdobe InDesignMicrosoft VisioAvid Pro ToolsAdobe PhotoshopFacebookAdobe Creative Cloud softwareApple macOSAdobe Premiere ProOracle JavaUNIXVMwareMicrosoft operating systemCisco IOSGitIBM MiddlewareReal time operating system RTOS softwarePerforce softwareUnity Technologies UnityAudio editing softwareAutodesk AutoCADLinuxComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareVoice over internet protocol VoIP system softwareAdobe AuditionAdobe AuditionAvid Technology Pro ToolsAvid Technology Pro ToolsAvid Technology audio visual editing softwareAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatMusical instrument digital interface MIDI softwareLinuxVoice over internet protocol VoIP system softwareAvid Technology audio visual editing softwareMusical instrument digital interface MIDI softwareApple Final Cut ProMicrosoft WindowsAdobe InDesignMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft WordApple Final Cut Pro
Software Developers
Medium51.32%
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Medium48.06%
Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Robotics Technicians
Medium42.51%
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Producers and Directors
Medium44.92%
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Medium50.75%
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Audio and Video Technicians
Medium57.78%
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
Broadcast Technicians
Medium59.28%
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.
Lighting Technicians
Low29.69%
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Medium41.02%
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
Film and Video Editors
Medium52.46%
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Motion Picture Projectionists
Medium34.94%
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
Medium42.57%
Install, repair, or adjust audio or television receivers, stereo systems, camcorders, video systems, or other electronic entertainment equipment in homes or other venues. May perform routine maintenance.
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
Low32.89%
Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
Low15.30%
Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
High68.97%
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Medium45.29%
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Music Directors and Composers
Medium45.75%
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
Musicians and Singers
Low25.42%
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
Medium52.63%
Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).
Photographers
Medium49.91%
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.