ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Audio Engineer Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAudio Engineer JobsAudio Engineer Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

Audio Engineer information

See Crystal Lake, IL salary details

$28.6K

$81.9K

$166.3K

How much do audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio engineer in Crystal Lake, IL is $81,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $109,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

Do audio engineers get paid well?

Audio engineers can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions often pay less, while experienced professionals working in high-demand areas or specialized fields can earn higher wages, with some reaching six-figure incomes. Skills in mixing, mastering, and familiarity with industry-standard software can also influence earning potential.

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 equipment such as mixing consoles, microphones, and digital audio workstations, and often require technical skills and certifications. Their work ensures high-quality sound production tailored to the project's needs.

What jobs can an audio engineer do?

An audio engineer can work in various roles such as recording engineer, live sound technician, mixing engineer, mastering engineer, broadcast engineer, and sound designer. They typically operate audio equipment, use digital audio workstations, and may work in studios, concert venues, film production, or broadcasting environments.
More about Audio Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs in Crystal Lake, IL?

The most popular types of Audio Engineer jobs in Crystal Lake, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Audio Engineer jobs in Crystal Lake, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Audio Engineer jobs in Crystal Lake, IL are:

What cities near Crystal Lake, IL are hiring for Audio Engineer jobs?

Cities near Crystal Lake, IL with the most Audio Engineer job openings:

Audio Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Audio Engineer job openings in Crystal Lake, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,903 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Consulting Audio Engineer -- Wearable Microphone Speech Isolation

Bespoke Studios Inc.

Mundelein, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Company: Bespoke (bespokecast.ai)

Engagement: Short-term consulting, remote, independent contractor. Paid hourly or by fixed-scope opinion. Possible follow-on work.

Must be located in or near the San Francisco Bay Area.


What We're Looking For

Someone with real hands-on experience working close to the physics of audio and speech — how sound travels, how it degrades, and how to tell one voice apart from another in a noisy room. That could come from broadcast/production sound, hearing-aid engineering, mobile audio DSP, or speaker diarization work. You don't need to have solved our exact problem before, just have the technical grounding to reason through it with us.


What You'd Deliver

Mostly your assessment and guidance rather than a written report. We'll walk you through what we've tried so far, and you'll help us understand what's likely to work and what isn't worth pursuing further. If it turns into ongoing work, the first real step would likely involve hands-on time with the actual hardware and real-world recordings.


Relevant Background
  • Body-worn / lavalier microphone practice — production sound, broadcast, or mic-manufacturer applications engineering
  • Near-field and body-boundary acoustics; reverberation and near/far discrimination in small rooms
  • Own-voice detection for hearing aids or hearables
  • Real-time speech DSP on gain-uncalibrated device fleets
  • Android audio internals — HAL, USB audio class, capture-path gain staging
  • Speaker diarization / speaker ID in noisy production audio


To Apply

Send a short note with relevant background to careers@bespokecast.ai and your answer to this:

A lavalier is clipped at the chest, ~15–20 cm from the wearer's mouth. A second talker is ~1 m away, across a counter, at roughly the same height. Approximately how much rejection would swapping the omni capsule for a cardioid buy us, and what do you need to know to answer?

Brief is fine. We're more interested in how you frame it than in the number.


Engagement Terms

This is an independent contractor engagement, not employment. No employee benefits (health insurance, PTO, equity); contractor handles their own taxes (1099 or equivalent) and controls how the work gets done within agreed scope and deadlines.

Apply