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Audio Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Audio Engineering, Electrical Engineering, a similar field, or equivalent practical experience. * 6 years of experience in consumer hardware. * Experience with ...

Audio Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $280K/yr

We're looking for an experienced Audio System Engineer to define, tune, evaluate, and ship high-quality speech reproduction systems and spatialized audio capture solutions. Responsibilities: * Own ...

The Senior Staff Audio Engineer is a technical authority responsible for the architecture, design, and optimization of complex audio subsystems. This role defines the direction for audio technologies ...

We are looking for a seasoned audio software engineer to drive the technical direction of spatial audio playback across every Apple platform. You will own the architecture of audio decoding and ...

Role Summary We are seeking a versatile Staff Audio System Engineer to lead the technical integration of our next-generation vehicle audio systems, with an edge towards physical acoustics, acoustical ...

Collaborate with driver, audio stack, and application teams to define and implement new audio features. Own and evolve developer-facing APIs, ensuring they are robust, performant, and intuitive.

Core Audio Software Engineer Apple's Media, Graphics, & Compute Technologies is at the center of audio, video, and graphics in Apple's innovative products. MGCT's audio team builds the audio ...

Staff Audio System Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$167K - $209K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a versatile Staff Audio System Engineer to lead the technical integration of our next-generation vehicle audio systems, with an edge towards physical acoustics, acoustical ...

Role Summary We are seeking a versatile Staff Audio System Engineer to lead the technical integration of our next-generation vehicle audio systems, with an edge towards physical acoustics, acoustical ...

Staff Audio System Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$167K - $209K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a versatile Staff Audio System Engineer to lead the technical integration of our next-generation vehicle audio systems, with an edge towards physical acoustics, acoustical ...

Role Summary We are seeking a versatile Staff Audio System Engineer to lead the technical integration of our next-generation vehicle audio systems, with an edge towards physical acoustics, acoustical ...

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Audio Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$83.3K

$169.3K

How much do audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio engineer in California is $83,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Audio Engineer vs Sound Technician?

AspectAudio EngineerSound Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering degree or certification, technical trainingTechnical training, sometimes on-the-job experience
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live events, post-productionLive events, concerts, theater productions
Industry UsageMusic, film, broadcasting, live soundConcerts, theater, events, live sound reinforcement

While both roles involve working with sound, Audio Engineers focus on recording, mixing, and mastering audio in studios or post-production, whereas Sound Technicians primarily handle live sound setup and operation during events. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their work environment and specific responsibilities.

What jobs can a sound engineer do?

A sound engineer can work in various roles such as recording engineer, live sound technician, mixing engineer, broadcast engineer, or post-production engineer. They operate audio equipment, set up sound systems, and ensure high-quality sound for music, film, television, concerts, and events, often requiring knowledge of digital audio workstations and certifications in audio technology.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior audio engineers working in high-profile industries such as film, television, or live event production can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, a strong professional reputation, and working in large markets or for major companies.

What Is an Audio Engineer?

An Audio Engineer is involved in the recording and production of audio, sound, and music. Some Audio Engineers help record vocal or musical performances in a recording studio. Others manage sound output during live concerts. As an Audio Engineer, you might mix and edit tracks for studio albums, radio and television shows, movies, or video games. During recordings and performances, you may be responsible for setting up audio equipment, such as microphones, speakers, headphones, and mixers, and checking them to make sure they work correctly.

What do you do as an audio engineer?

An audio engineer is responsible for recording, mixing, and editing sound for music, film, television, or live events. They operate audio equipment, use digital audio workstations, and ensure sound quality meets production standards. The role often requires technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of acoustics and audio software.

What does an Audio Engineer do?

An Audio Engineer is responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering sound for various media, including music, film, television, and live events. They operate and maintain audio equipment, ensure high-quality sound production, and often collaborate with producers, musicians, and other technical staff. Their work can involve setting up microphones, adjusting sound levels, editing audio tracks, and troubleshooting technical issues. Audio Engineers play a crucial role in achieving the desired sound for a project.

How does an audio engineer typically collaborate with producers and artists during a recording session?

Audio engineers work closely with producers and artists to ensure the vision for each project is realized. During recording sessions, they set up and operate audio equipment, offer technical advice, and make real-time adjustments based on feedback. Communication is key, as engineers often interpret creative ideas into technical solutions, ensuring clarity and quality in every take. This collaborative environment requires flexibility, quick problem-solving, and a strong understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of sound production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Audio Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Audio Engineer, you need strong knowledge of sound theory, audio mixing, and recording techniques, often supported by a degree or certification in audio engineering or a related field. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro, audio interfaces, and studio equipment is crucial. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart. These capabilities ensure high-quality sound production, smooth collaboration, and the ability to address technical challenges in dynamic audio environments.

Is audio engineering in high demand?

Audio engineering is a specialized field with steady demand in industries such as music production, film, television, and live events. Job opportunities often require technical skills, familiarity with digital audio workstations, and certifications, with demand influenced by the growth of media and entertainment sectors.
What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Audio Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Audio Engineer jobs in California? For Audio Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Audio Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Audio Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Audio Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Audio Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Audio Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,350 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
Core Audio Software Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Core Audio Software Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Imagine what you could do at Apple! Everyday, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Do you bring passion and dedication to your job? If so, we are looking for individuals like you. The Media, Graphics & Compute Tech (MGCT) group is at the center of audio, video, and graphics in Apple's innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, Apple TV and VisionPro. ..MGCT's Audio team provides the audio foundation for various high profile features like Game Audio, Siri, FaceTime, media capture, playback and API's for third party developers to enrich our platforms. The team is looking for talented engineers who are passionate about building audio features and products for millions of customers and care about overall user experience. You will revolutionize the audio experience for game and future audio technologies.....
As a Core Audio System Software engineer, you'll be responsible for developing and debugging audio system software for all of Apple's platforms. Audio software stack on Apple devices has a considerable complexity and a rich feature set in the way that audio is routed through the system and integrates various hardware pieces. You will work across the full spectrum of media experiences and audio experiences - from FaceTime calls and Siri interactions to media playback - across a wide range of connected accessories including Bluetooth (AirPods, third-party headphones), CarPlay, and USB audio devices. The position will involve developing and improving the software components that are responsible for both running the audio hardware and exposing audio features and capabilities upwards through the system. The work involves close collaboration with hardware driver teams and various Apple technologies including Siri, AirPods, FaceTime and AirPlay.
Excellent software design/programming skills in C++Solid understanding of object-oriented methodologies, multi-threaded programming and operating systems conceptsExperience with digital audio programming and solid debugging skillsAt least two+ years of experience working with a team and software company, highlighting their ability to collaborate and operate within a professional software development environment.BS or MS in CS, EE, or related degree
Experience working with Bluetooth accessories is a plusExperience working with embedded audio in devices like smartphones (Samsung, Pixel), tablets, or Chromebooks would be a plusExperience with core SW features like Telephony audio and/or Bluetooth audio in a plus

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976