Audio engineers are a crucial part of the music industry, responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering sound. Let’s explore the various ways in which audio engineers can make a living and how much they can expect to earn.
Audio Engineering Services
Audio engineers offer recording services to people who want to make music. They can charge per hour for recording sessions, breaking down the cost into manageable segments for their clients. Recording sessions can take place in an engineer’s setup or at a location preferred by the client.
Income Expectations
Audio engineers can generally make $26.09 per hour and up to $132,500 per year. Salaries can be influenced by rates, experience, and location. Contracted employees may work through a studio, earning a portion of the hourly rate, while freelance engineers will have different earning methods. For example, an engineer might make $30 of the $50 charged by a studio to the vocalist every hour.
Career Opportunities and Clientele
- Roadie
- Live sound engineer/technician for events such as:
- Concerts
- Charity events
- Conferences
- Parties
- Outdoor church services
- Public speaking events
Whether you’re interested in live mixes, software design for plugins, or audio tools for film and TV post-production, there’s a range of niches within the field.
Skills Required
To succeed in this field, an audio engineer needs:
- Equipment Knowledge and Set Up
- Technical mixing abilities
- Creativity and subjectivity in their craft
Formal education is not always required, but pursuing degrees or certifications helps in commanding higher rates and improving prospects. Making connections within the local music community and being reliable are also crucial for success.
Earning Potential Across Industries
The architectural and engineering industry offers one of the best pays for sound engineers with an average salary of $80,800 a year, closely followed by the motion picture industry and computer design industry. Sound Engineering Technicians made a median salary of $54,740 in 2019, with the potential for higher earnings based on skill and experience.
Audio engineering can indeed be a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction, with an annual median income of more than $45,000 and a job satisfaction rating of around 76%.
In summary, an audio engineer has plenty of opportunities to earn a good living, with various career paths open for those who are passionate about the industry.
Summary
- Audio engineers handle both the technical and creative aspects of sound.
- Depending on expertise and location, engineers can make a substantial income.
- There are various career opportunities in the music industry, live events, film, and software design for audio engineers.
- Skills development, equipment knowledge, and industry connections are key to success.