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What can an audio engineer do?
There are endless possibilities for an audio engineer. The employment field is FAR WIDER than you may think it is! From recording studios to forensic audio for Law Enforcement, there are many other Professional Audio jobs that you may have never thought about. Who places sounds into toys? Who helps design the interior speakers for vehicles? How do astronauts transmit communication when orbiting space? These are just a few jobs, of many, that Audio Engineers do.
Many believe that Audio Engineers mainly work in recording studios. Truthfully, Audio Engineers have the capability of mixing sound for Post Production (sound for movies), going on tour (Live Sound), getting sound for television/websites (Broadcast Audio), or recording shotgun blasts to be used in video games (Game Audio). An Audio Engineer’s “office” can be anywhere their knowledge and imagination want it to be, and Avant Media Institutes's goal is to help our graduates get there!
What are the different types of Audio Engineers?
Assembling, operating and maintaining the technical equipment used to record, amplify, enhance, mix or reproduce sound.
Sound engineer
Control the sound at live events such as theatre performances and music concerts.
Live sound
engineer
Help to design, assess, manage and control sound and vibrations in the built environment. They may also be described as acousticians or acoustic engineers. The duties undertaken by acoustic consultants might include: Offering advice to architects and other designers.
Acoustic consultant
Responsible for the artist's and the producer's mix and overall sound of the album.
Recording
engineer
Mastering
engineer
Responsible for a final edit of a product and preparation for manufacturing copies.
Mixing engineer
Mixes and edits sound using audio and engineering equipment. It is their responsibility to adjust volume levels, add effects, manipulate the audio's frequency and synchronize sound.
Post Production Engineer
Responsible for all stages of audio production relating to sound produced and synchronized with moving picture (film, television, or video). It involves sound design, effects, foley, ADR, sound editing, audio mixing, etc.
Broadcast technician
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs.
Audio equipment technician
Set up and install equipment such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards for events and functions such as concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences.
Is there a HIGH DEMAND for Audio Engineers?
Overall employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028. That is faster than the average for all other occupations. Growth is expected to stem from businesses, schools, and entertainment industries seeking to improve their audio and video capabilities.
What are the salary wages for different types of Audio Engineers?
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Average of $80,400 - $132,000 per year
BROADCAST TECHNICIAN
Average of $61,214 per year
Audio equipment technician
Average of $70,000 per year
SOUND
ENGINEER
Average of $80,400 - $132,000 per year
ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT
Average of $68,921 - $78,455 per year
LIVE SOUND ENGINEERS
*Earn an average hourly wage of $15.14. Hourly's typically start from $10.63 per hour and go up to $41.42 per hour.
RECORDING
ENGINEERS
*Wages can range depending on experience and who their client is—independent or signed. Highly experienced and well-known engineers can earn up to $5,000 per song plus Royalties. The average starting rate for new and inexperienced engineers can be $20-$35 per hour or $100 per song.
MIXING
ENGINEERS
*Wages can range for the same reasons as a recording engineer. A mixing engineer can earn $500 - $1,000 per song or $50 - $100 per hour.
MASTERING
ENGINEERS
*Wages range due to experiences and level of clientele, just as a recording and mixing engineer. Generally what a Mastering Engineer makes depends on experience and ability. Engineers with few years of experience may charge $10 - $30 per song. Engineers with years of experience may charge $500 - $700 per project.