Sound Engineering Technicians

Career summary

#No alternate titles

Sound engineering technicians use many types of recording equipment. They set up microphones to amplify sounds. They use mixing boards to control the amount of input from different performers. For example, while recording a band, they may increase or decrease the volume of the drums. They adjust the recording level, volume, and tone quality to achieve the desired sound. Technicians are responsible for maintaining all their sound equipment.

Sometimes technicians work at live performances. They mix and edit voices and music using control boards. Technicians also record actors to add the actors' voices to the sound tracks of movies or TV shows. They may also add sound effects and music.

Many technicians record music. Before the recording session, they usually talk to the musicians and producers to learn what type of sound and emotion the musicians want the final recording to convey. This helps them know what equipment they will need and how to arrange the microphones to achieve those effects. Technicians keep logs of their recording sessions to track who and what they record each day.

Occasionally technicians take existing music and re-master it. This means they take the original recording and try to remove imperfections, such as background hiss or damage.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Audio-Visual Specialists
• Broadcast Technicians
• Camera Operators
• Communications Equipment Mechanics
• Film and Video Editors
• Movie Projectionists
• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
• Photographers
• Producers and Directors

Military careers

• Audiovisual and Broadcast Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to sound engineering technicians.

• Consult with performers and producers to determine the desired sound effects.
• Set up, test, and adjust the recording equipment.
• Use recording equipment, both digital and analog, to record speech, music, and other sounds.
• Mix and edit voices and music during live performances.
• Add prerecorded voices, music, and sound effects to movies or TV shows. Make sure all sounds occur in sync with the action.
• Once recorded, separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds. Combine these sounds again during postproduction.
• Make copies of original sound recordings.
• Use console boards to adjust volume and sound quality during recording sessions.
• Keep a log of recording sessions.
• Maintain recording equipment.
• Report equipment problems and make sure repairs are made.

Common work activities

Sound engineering technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Think creatively
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Document and record information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Get information needed to do the job
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Control machines and processes
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Schedule work and activities
• Process information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Evaluate information against standards
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Monitor and control resources
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, sound engineering technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis. They also write letters, memos, and e-mail, but less frequently.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by other workers.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors in radio, television, and music recording studios. Occasionally work outdoors at concerts and other events that require the use of microphones.
• May work in an enclosed sound booth when at an outdoor event.
• May be exposed to noise levels and sounds that might be loud or distracting.
• Work close to others, such as within a recording studio or in a sound booth.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work so that performers will not have to re-record their work. Errors cost performers or recording studios money.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that affect their employer and clients.
• Usually decide a course of action without consulting a supervisor first.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Often repeat the same physical and mental tasks.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• Generally work a set schedule.
• May work overtime and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• May work weekends or nights, if working for stations that broadcast programs live.

Physical demands

Sound engineering technicians frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for sound engineering technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for sound engineering technicians to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Sound engineering technicians need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Communications Operations Technology
• Music Technology
• Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology
• Recording Arts Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
• Broadcast Journalism
• Multimedia and Intermedia
• Photographic, Film, and Video Technology

Training

To work as a sound engineering technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete formal training; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Many sound engineering technicians learn their skills through formal training. Many colleges and technical schools offer programs in broadcast technology. Most programs are one to two years in length.

Private schools also offer sound engineering technology programs. However, the kind and quality of these programs varies greatly. Check with employers to see which schools they prefer. In addition, ask the schools for the names of employers where they have placed graduates. Make sure the school has the type of training you want, up-to-date equipment, and qualified instructors.

Work experience

A job as a technician in a school sound-recording studio or radio station provides good hands-on experience. Building electronic equipment from hobby kits and learning how to use an amateur radio also are useful.

On-the-job training

As a new technician, you perform routine tasks while closely supervised by an experienced sound technician or engineer. Training may last up to one month.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be audiovisual and broadcast technicians. This occupation includes sound engineering technicians. Training lasts seven to 52 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Band
• Chorus
• Computer Applications
• Electronics
• Orchestra or Strings

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

In the motion picture industry, employers hire beginning technicians as assistants. They prefer to hire assistants who have experience as sound technicians. Experience may be from internships or volunteer work. Employers hire experienced sound technicians on a picture-by-picture basis. Technicians who have built strong reputations in their field are most likely to find work.

In the music industry, technicians are hired as employees of recording studios. These employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed formal training programs. They look for employees who can get along with a variety of people.

Costs to workers

Some workers are required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. Some workers join professional associations or trade groups, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Sound Engineering Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The technician's level of experience, skill, and responsibility also affect wages.

Sound engineering technicians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Jobs for sound engineering technicians at television stations are available in big and small cities. In contrast, music recording studios and motion picture production companies are usually located in major cities. Jobs with these employers are concentrated in Los Angeles and New York City.

Major employers:

• Radio and TV stations
• Movie and video production companies
• Performing arts companies

National outlook

Demand is expected to show little to no change. Technological advances will reduce the need for technicians. However, the industry will continue to need technicians to improve the sound quality of shows and movies.

Turnover in this occupation is high. Most openings occur as people leave the industry for other jobs in the electronics field. Technicians with an associate degree in broadcast technology have the best job prospects. Job prospects are expected to be best in small cities and towns. This is because of strong competition in metropolitan areas.

Other resources

Audio Engineering Society 
551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1225
New York, NY 10176
212.661.8528

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

IATSE Local #15 
2800 First Avenue, Suite 231
Seattle, WA 98121
206.441.1515

National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-Communications Workers of America 
501 - 3rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.434.1254

National Association of Broadcasters 
1771 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.5300

Showbizjobs.com 

TV Jobs 

Washington Filmworks 
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Sound Engineering Technicians (27-4014.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Manager, Sound Effects (962.167-010) 
• Recording Engineer (194.362-010) 
• Recordist (962.382-010) 
• Rerecording Mixer (194.362-014) 
• Sound Controller (194.262-014) 
• Sound Mixer (194.262-018) 
• Tape Transferrer (194.382-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Artistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled