Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace sound engineering technicians?AI replacement risk 53% and how the work is changing

United States Film & Video Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$73,130
25th–75th pct. $49,910–$100,280
Top pay (est.)
$178,600
Top 10% $137,370
Pay in 5 years
$83,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$94,100est.
$80,900–$109,300
Outlook score
39/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
53%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−3.1%
1,000 openings / yr

Will AI replace Sound Engineering Technicians? AI replacement risk

53%
Moderate
Ranked #558 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Sound Engineering Technicians

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.8
Reading Comprehension
3.6
Active Listening
3.5
Monitoring
3.4
Operation and Control
3.2
Complex Problem Solving
3.1
Service Orientation
3.1
Coordination
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics
5.3
Fine Arts
4.4
Engineering and Technology
4.0
Communications and Media
4.0
Customer and Personal Service
4.0
English Language
3.8
Production and Processing
3.5
Administration and Management
3.2

What the work involves

Thinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsWorking with ComputersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Hearing SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionAuditory AttentionFluency of IdeasNear Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
32%
Bachelor's degree
20%
Post-secondary certificate
20%
Associate's degree
12%
Some college
8%
Professional degree
4%
Post-master's certificate
4%

Training before entry

1–2 years
24%
6–12 months
24%
Up to 1 month
20%
None / short demo
16%
2–4 years
8%
1–3 months
4%
3–6 months
4%

Related work experience

1–2 years
60%
2–4 years
24%
4–6 years
16%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.