Audio Engineering Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of Sound Engineers / Technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031. The following contains information on education requirements, financial assistance, licensing and certifications, and continuing education.

• Projected Employment
• Typical Wages
• Education, Certifications, Licensure & Apprenticeships
• Activities, Knowledge, Abilities & Skills
• Related Occupations

Sound Engineers 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.

Similarly, Sound Technicians 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.

There are several audio engineering careers that one can become involved in:

Studio Engineer

A studio engineer's responsibilities generally involve recording and processing audio so that it's ready for commercial use or release. Their role involves working with musicians in a studio, managing recording sessions and ensuring sound is captured at the desired quality.

Live Sound Engineer

Live sound engineers set up, operate and maintain the technical equipment that amplifies speech, music and sound effects in theatrical productions, music concerts, large-scale conferences or other live events.

Game & Audio Design Engineer

Game & Audio Design Engineers collect, edit, and create sound effects, ambient effects, and even music for video games, applications, or any other form of interactive media.

Film Sound Engineer

Is a member of a film crew or television crew responsible for recording all sound recording on set during the filmmaking or television production using professional audio equipment, for later inclusion in the finished product.

FAFSA Code: 002270

FAFSA Code: 002315

FAFSA Code: 002307

FAFSA Code: 002325

FAFSA Code: 002279

FAFSA Code: 002259

• Obtain FSA ID
• Complete the FAFSA Form
• Add the FAFSA school code

• 1-2-3 approach to paying for college
• Comparing financial aid offers

• Decoding financial aid offers

This document includes just a sample of programs available in the Metro-Detroit area. Remember to check college or university websites for program offerings. Your school's career exploration tools will also highlight a variety of related careers and education and training institutions.

References: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Note: Inclusion of a program in our database does not indicate an endorsement by Wayne RESA. The database is for informational purposes only.

Department of Workforce Development, CTE, Adult Ed and Career Counseling