Shigoto Zukan
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How to become sound engineering technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become sound engineering technicians

Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as sound engineering technicians

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.