Audio Technician (A2)

Impact: Direct, enhancing the auditory experience for audiences and participants.

Operates and maintains sound equipment for live events, recordings, broadcasts, and other productions. Responsible for sound quality, mixing, and troubleshooting audio systems.

What the day looks like

People interaction: Extensive
Team vs solo: Team-oriented, especially in live production or studio environments, but also requires independent problem-solving.
Client facing: Frequent
Impact visibility: High
Travel: Moderate, may involve travel to different venues, recording locations, or touring with artists.
Schedule flexibility: Structured
Remote work: Limited Remote
Typical work hours: Irregular, often long hours during productions or events, with periods of less intense work between projects.
Stress level: High

At a glance

Median salary: $55,000 - $65,000
Entry-level: $35,000 - $45,000
Senior: $75,000 - $90,000+
Growth by 2033: 5% - 8%
Demand: Growing
Freelance potential: High
Salary growth potential: Medium
Typical student debt: $10,000 - $30,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Sound Mixing
Equipment Operation
Acoustics
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

Soft skills

Problem-solving
Communication
Attention to Detail

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education: High school diploma or equivalent, plus vocational training or an associate's degree in audio engineering or a related field.
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 3-5 years
Years to senior: 7-10 years
Career switching: Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

Where you can go from here

Typical progression

Can advance to roles like Lead Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Production Manager, or specialize in areas like mastering or live sound mixing.

Future outlook

Automation probability: Low
AI disruption risk: Moderate
Demand trend: Growing

How people feel about it

Overall satisfaction: 4/10
Meaning: 4/10
Work-life balance: 3.5/10
Prestige: 6.2/10
Social perception: High