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Audio Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Audio Visual Technician Responsibilities: * Transporting, setting up, and installing media ... Setting up and performing electrical wiring, programming, and basic construction according to ...

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Additionally, comprehensive audio video skills. Ideal candidate would have Associates level college degree in a technology related field and/or minimum 3 years of previous employment with AV support ...

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Audio Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$29.2K

$83.5K

$169.5K

How much do audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio engineer in Elgin, IL is $83,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $111,700.00 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior audio engineers working in high-profile industries such as film, television, or live event production can reach salaries around $500,000, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, a strong portfolio, 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 equipment such as mixing consoles, microphones, and digital audio workstations, and often require technical skills and certifications to ensure high-quality sound production.

Do audio engineers get paid well?

Audio engineers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but they generally earn a median annual wage that is competitive within the entertainment and media sectors. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals working on high-profile projects or in major markets can earn significantly more, especially with specialized skills and certifications.

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 competitive field with steady demand in sectors such as music production, film, television, and live events. Growth is driven by technological advancements and the increasing use of digital audio workstations, but job availability can vary by location and industry trends.
What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Audio Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Audio Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Audio Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Audio Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Audio Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Audio Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,485 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
Audio Engineer (Part-Time)

$33.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a(an) AUDIO ENGINEER (Part-Time).

Under the direction of the Music Department's Technical Director, the Audio Engineer position is responsible for providing the audio support for afternoon, evening, and weekend classes and events scheduled in Music Department facilities, including the Concert Hall, the Sherwood Recital, and classrooms.

This is a part-time position at 18-hour max (not to exceed 950 hours per calendar year), three days per week position with a schedule of M-W F, 4-10 pm or TTh 3:30-10 pm and Sat 10-5 pm.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILTIES

  • Responsible for all aspects of live performances, including setup and teardown, monitors, front of house, projections, live operation, lighting, and involving audio systems, amplifiers, keyboards, microphones, mixers, video cameras, and switchers.

  • Responsible for all aspects of performance recordings, including setup, teardown, Logic multi-track backup, recorded video & audio, editing, mastering, and publishing concerts to Music Department YouTube channel and to shared student folders.

  • Responsible for all aspects of tracking and recording video and audio of non-performance tracking sessions. This includes setup, teardown, tracking, and backing up all video and audio recorded in the sessions.

  • Responsible for resetting Ensemble rooms after 9:00 pm to be ready for morning classes.

  • Oversee Music Center video monitor broadcasts of Logo, notices, future events and removing dated material.

  • Schedule and oversee volunteer concert hall tech crews, as needed.

  • Approve space requests for ensemble rooms.

  • Oversee work study students.

  • Inventories and tagging of new equipment.

  • Prep backstage gear for bands performing on outside events.

  • Maintain daily concert hall reports related to concert setup, operation, volume levels, striking, volunteer involvement, skill levels, areas of improvement and equipment location and condition.

  • Maintain an organized and clean workspace at all times.

  • May provide audio support for college-wide events like Convocation, Manifest, Columbia Weekend, etc., including setup and teardown, monitors, front of house, projections, live operation, lighting, and involving audio systems, amplifiers, keyboards, microphones, mixers, video cameras, and switchers.

  • Oversee the recording archive process which includes saving video/audio performances to external hard drives, labeling drives and creating and maintaining a FileMaker Pro database for easy access.

  • Assist with classroom and Concert Hall's equipment and technical needs.

  • Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

  • Bachelor's degree, plus two years' experience of running equipment and live sound, or equivalent combination of education, certification, experience, and/or training.

  • Ability to work a varied schedule when needed.

  • Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

  • Ability to work with diverse individuals in a positive and constructive manner while appreciating the unique contributions of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and social identities.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $23.16

Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $33.33

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Position subject to a background screening

  • This is a union position

  • This is a part-time position

  • This position is overtime ineligible

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.