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Audio Mastering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Audio Engineer (Part-Time)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Digital Media Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... graphic design basics, audio production, web content, animation fundamentals, and digital ... mastering multiple software tools, and developing a cohesive digital portfolio. Adapts instruction ...

Digital Media Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... graphic design basics, audio production, web content, animation fundamentals, and digital ... mastering multiple software tools, and developing a cohesive digital portfolio. Adapts instruction ...

... graphic design basics, audio production, web content, animation fundamentals, and digital ... mastering multiple software tools, and developing a cohesive digital portfolio. Adapts instruction ...

Digital Media Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... graphic design basics, audio production, web content, animation fundamentals, and digital ... mastering multiple software tools, and developing a cohesive digital portfolio. Adapts instruction ...

Digital Media Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... graphic design basics, audio production, web content, animation fundamentals, and digital ... mastering multiple software tools, and developing a cohesive digital portfolio. Adapts instruction ...

Digital Media Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... graphic design basics, audio production, web content, animation fundamentals, and digital ... mastering multiple software tools, and developing a cohesive digital portfolio. Adapts instruction ...

Digital Media Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... graphic design basics, audio production, web content, animation fundamentals, and digital ... mastering multiple software tools, and developing a cohesive digital portfolio. Adapts instruction ...

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Showing results 1-20

Audio Mastering information

See Illinois salary details

$28.6K

$81.8K

$166.2K

How much do audio mastering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio mastering 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 is an audio mastering?

An Audio Mastering job involves the final step in the music production process, ensuring that audio tracks are polished, balanced, and optimized for distribution. This includes adjusting levels, equalization, compression, and adding final enhancements to achieve a professional sound. Mastering engineers also ensure consistency across an album and prepare files for different formats, including streaming and physical media. Their goal is to make the music sound its best on all playback systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the audio mastering position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Audio Mastering, you need a deep understanding of audio engineering principles, critical listening skills, and familiarity with music production, often supported by experience or a relevant degree. Mastering engineers commonly use specialized digital audio workstations (DAWs), high-end plugins, hardware processors, and may hold certifications in audio technology or related fields. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with artists and producers are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of polished final tracks that meet industry standards and artist expectations.

What are the main responsibilities of an audio mastering engineer on a typical project?

An Audio Mastering engineer is responsible for preparing the final mix of a recording for distribution, which involves tasks like equalization, compression, limiting, sequencing tracks, and ensuring consistent sound quality across an album or release. They carefully listen to and address any technical flaws, optimize playback across various formats and platforms, and often provide feedback to mixing engineers or artists if necessary. Collaboration is common, as mastering engineers work closely with producers, mixers, and sometimes directly with clients to ensure the finished product aligns with the creative vision. Staying current with industry-standard tools and trends is also a key ongoing responsibility.

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

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

Infographic showing various Audio Mastering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 61% Physical, and 39% 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 23 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.