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Audio Mastering Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Audio Mastering Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$28.6K

$81.8K

$166.2K

How much do audio mastering engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio mastering engineer in Illinois is $81,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an audio mastering engineer?

To thrive as an Audio Mastering Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in audio engineering, critical listening, signal processing, and an in-depth understanding of acoustics, usually acquired through relevant degrees or significant industry experience. Mastery of digital audio workstations (DAWs), specialized mastering software, and familiarity with hardware like compressors and equalizers are essential; industry certifications can be beneficial but are not always mandatory. A keen attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate closely with artists and producers are key soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure high-quality, industry-standard audio output and successful client collaboration in a competitive music and sound production environment.

What does an audio mastering engineer do?

An Audio Mastering Engineer is responsible for the final stage of audio production, ensuring a polished and professional sound. They apply equalization, compression, stereo enhancement, and other processing techniques to balance the mix and optimize it for various playback systems. Mastering also involves sequencing tracks for albums, adjusting volume levels for consistency, and preparing the final audio files for distribution. The goal is to enhance clarity, depth, and overall impact while maintaining the artistic intent of the music.

What are some common challenges audio mastering engineers face in their day-to-day work?

Audio Mastering Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse range of audio material, meeting tight deadlines, and balancing the creative vision of artists with industry loudness and quality standards. They must quickly adapt to different genres, client preferences, and technical requirements, sometimes working with less-than-ideal mix quality. Additionally, staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and audio formats can be demanding. These challenges make adaptability, continuous learning, and strong client communication critical to success in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Mastering Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Audio Mastering Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Audio Mastering Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Audio Mastering Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Audio Mastering Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Audio Mastering Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Audio Mastering Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,839 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Audio Engineer (Part-Time)

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$33.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

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.

Qualifications
  • 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.