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Associate Sound Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Sound Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.1K

$60.3K

$90.1K

How much do associate sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate sound designer in Chicago, IL is $60,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is an associate sound designer paid?

An associate sound designer typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry sector. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working on high-profile projects can earn more. Compensation often includes knowledge of sound editing software and collaboration with production teams.

What is an associate sound designer?

Associate Sound Designers are audio professionals who assist lead sound designers in creating and implementing the audio elements of a production, such as video games, films, or theater shows. Their responsibilities include recording, editing, and mixing sound effects, dialogue, and music, as well as helping with technical setup and troubleshooting. They often collaborate with other members of the audio and production teams to ensure the final product meets creative and technical standards. This role is typically considered an entry-level or early-career position in the sound design field, offering opportunities for skill development and advancement.

How much do sound designers get paid?

Sound designers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals working on major projects or in high-demand markets can earn higher salaries. Skills in audio editing software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What are the main collaboration points between an associate sound designer and other departments during a game development project?

As an Associate Sound Designer, you'll frequently collaborate with game designers, programmers, and artists to ensure audio seamlessly integrates with gameplay and visuals. You'll attend meetings to review project updates, share audio concepts, and gather feedback to refine sound assets. Close communication with the programming team is essential for implementing audio triggers and resolving technical issues, while regular syncs with the art team help maintain a consistent atmosphere and style. Being proactive in cross-departmental communication not only enhances the game's audio experience but also builds strong professional relationships within the studio.

Is sound design in demand?

Sound design is in demand across industries such as film, video games, advertising, and virtual reality, with growth driven by increasing multimedia content. Professionals with skills in audio editing, mixing, and familiarity with tools like Pro Tools or Ableton are sought after, especially in collaborative production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate sound designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Sound Designer, you need a solid understanding of audio production, sound editing, and acoustics, often supported by a degree in audio engineering or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Ableton Live, as well as sound libraries and audio middleware such as FMOD or Wwise, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you deliver immersive soundscapes and work effectively with creative teams. These skills ensure high-quality audio production that enhances the overall experience of media projects.

What is the difference between Associate Sound Designer vs Sound Designer?

AspectAssociate Sound DesignerSound Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in audio production, sound design, or related fieldSame as Associate, often with additional experience or portfolio
Work EnvironmentAssist in sound creation, editing, and implementation under supervisionLead sound creation, design, and implementation independently or with a team
Industry UsageUsed in film, TV, video games, and theater as entry to mid-level rolesSenior or lead roles in similar industries

The main difference between an Associate Sound Designer and a Sound Designer lies in experience and responsibility. An Associate Sound Designer typically supports and assists in sound projects, gaining experience, while a Sound Designer takes on more independent, creative, and leadership roles in sound design projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Sound Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Associate Sound Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,326 per year, or $29 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Family Express rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 47 rated convenience stores


Job description

Description

Job title: Associate Manager 

FLSA status: Non-Exempt

Department: Operations     

Reports to: Store Manager


Position summary: The Associate Manager is a developmental position. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to personal development and to individual store and overall company success. This position is designed for aspiring leaders who are eager to develop their management skills and grow within our organization. As an Associate Manager, you will undergo a comprehensive training program to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of our store operations.


General Purpose: The Associate Manager is responsible for supporting the Store Manager in the daily operation of the store, learning all store management responsibilities and role modeling excellence in customer service. To provide our customers with total satisfaction. To serve our community through volunteerism and produce a return on assets which will assure the future prosperity of our employees and our company. To be an ambassador of our "Living Brand" by building relationships with our customers.


Role Qualifications

  • Desire to become a Store Manager
  • Ability to manage a store within 6-12 months
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must have at least a High School diploma or equivalent
  • Reliable transportation
  • Must be able to travel daily between all Family Express locations or other non-Family Express locations when necessary.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Meets and exceeds expectations of the Family Express culture including building relationships, promoting the Living Brand, and serves as a product brand advocate as outlined in the Culture Audit expectations
  • Complete all daily, weekly, monthly accounting, banking, and auditing functions using Company approved accounting procedures
  • Effectively operates and maintains all approved store equipment
  • Ensures minimum image standards are met at all times
  • Assists store manager with recruiting and interviewing qualified applicants
  • Assists store manager in leading, motivating, inspiring, training, and coaching all employees
  • Ensures store security and safety for all customers and employees. Promptly reports any incident
  • Ensure proper safety, maintenance, cleanliness, and image standards are maintained for the entire store through store image reviews, proper merchandising, safety audits, and proper use of the daily and weekly shift duties lists
  • Maximizes sales and gross profit dollars by responsible and profitable marketing of merchandise and proper product availability and display 
  • Assists with Management duties in the absence of the Store Manager (ie. Banking/Safe Procedures, vacation coverage, etc.)
  • Completion and attendance to Development Courses and Training requirements including but not limited to:
  • Monthly Associate Manager meetings
  • Monthly Living Brand University
  • Completion of Associate Manager Checklist
  • Cravin's To Order training
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience:

  • Situational Awareness
  • Strong customer orientation
  • Time management; including multitasking, productivity, and a sense of urgency
  • Excellent interpersonal and highly effective communication skills
  • High performance team building and strong team player; teamwork and the ability to enhance team members' performance.
  • Commitment to company mission and values
  • Basic mathematical & computer proficiency
  • Constructively deals with conflict
  • Adaptability, flexibility, and receptive to change
  • Problem analysis & resolution at both strategic & functional level
  • Effective decision making based on sound judgment and reasoning
  • Ability to read, write and understand English

Nonessential Skills and Experience:

  • 2-4 year college degree
  • Previous retail experience

Reporting To This Position: No direct reports


Physical demands and work environment:

  • Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for prolonged periods; work up to ten (10) hour shifts, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch; talk and hear; taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
  • Work Environment: Must have flexibility to work all shifts, all days of the week, when necessary. Ability to tolerate extreme temperatures for minimum of 30-minute intervals. Exposure to cleaning solvents.

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