Median Annual Wage: $49,870
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (31%); Post-secondary certificate (25%); Associate's degree (22%)
Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
Related Job Titles: Broadcast Engineer; Broadcast Technician; Audio Engineer; Recording Engineer; Sound Engineer; Audio Operator; Sound Technician; Master Control Operator; Mixer; Sound Editor
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sound Engineering Technicians.
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- Prepare for recording sessions by performing activities such as selecting and setting up microphones.
- Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
- Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds later during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
- Keep logs of recordings.
- Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
- Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- Synchronize and equalize prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.
- Convert video and audio recordings into digital formats for editing or archiving.
- Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
- Tear down equipment after event completion.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sound Engineering Technicians.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sound Engineering Technicians.