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Audio Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Valley Presbyterian Church

The Audio Visual Technician will be responsible for setting up and operating audio, video, and lighting equipment for church services and events. They will work closely with the pastor and event ...

Livenation

Audio Engineer

San Diego, CA

From our dozens of owned/operated Amphitheaters to our Global Touring team, from Ticketing and ... Audio Control Boards operation * Oversee visiting audio techs, especially during shows

Apple

Core Audio System Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

Solid understanding of multi-threaded programming and operating systems concepts. Experience with digital audio systems. Proven debugging skills across complex software stacks. Pay & Benefits At ...

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Audio Operator information

See California salary details

$5

$33

$53

How much do audio operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for audio operator in California is $33.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $53.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Audio operators working in high-end live event production, film, or television with specialized skills and extensive experience can sometimes earn $400 an hour or more. Such roles often require advanced technical knowledge, certifications, and the ability to work in demanding environments. These high rates are typically associated with freelance or contract work for large-scale productions or events.

What does an audio operator do?

An audio operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment during live events, recordings, or broadcasts. They ensure sound quality, manage audio levels, and troubleshoot technical issues using tools like mixing consoles and microphones. Strong technical skills and attention to detail are essential for this role.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

In California, high-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include specialized roles such as senior executives, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and certain technology entrepreneurs. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, or ownership of successful businesses, and may involve high levels of responsibility and skill in their respective fields.

What Does an Audio Operator Do?

The responsibilities of an audio operator involve operating a soundboard for live or recorded television, radio, or other media programs. They set up and test microphones and interruptible foldback (IFB) as needed, as well as other equipment. An audio operator utilizes their knowledge of sound and audio mixing techniques, sometimes assisting in the production of commercial or promotional material. Other common duties include collaborating with another audio engineer to determine technical details. They may also handle administrative duties such as filing paperwork and ordering supplies. The qualifications you need to become an audio operator or engineer vary, but many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education or experience in a similar position.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An audio operator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or certifications. High earnings in audio roles are usually associated with senior positions, freelance work, or working on large-scale productions, which often require technical skills, industry connections, and a strong portfolio. Most entry-level audio operator jobs pay significantly less, and reaching such high income levels generally involves years of experience and additional skills.

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

To thrive as an Audio Operator, you need a solid understanding of sound engineering principles, audio signal flow, and typically a relevant degree or equivalent experience in audio production. Familiarity with digital audio consoles, microphones, audio editing software, and industry-standard systems like Pro Tools or Dante is essential. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring high-quality, reliable audio in live or recorded environments, directly impacting the overall production value.

What are some common challenges Audio Operators face when working on live events, and how can they prepare for them?

Audio Operators working on live events often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment malfunctions, feedback issues, and last-minute changes to event schedules or speaker lineups. To prepare, it’s essential to conduct thorough sound checks, keep backup equipment readily available, and maintain clear communication with the production team. Staying calm under pressure and being able to troubleshoot quickly are crucial skills, as live events often require immediate solutions to ensure audio quality is maintained throughout the show.

What are Audio Operators?

Audio Operators, sometimes called sound technicians or audio engineers, are professionals responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment for events, broadcasts, recordings, or live performances. They ensure that microphones, speakers, and other sound equipment function properly and that sound quality is clear and balanced. Their duties can include mixing audio, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with other production staff to create the best possible audio experience. Audio Operators work in a variety of settings such as television studios, radio stations, theaters, and concert venues.
More about Audio Operator jobs
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What job categories do people searching Audio Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Audio Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Audio Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Audio Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Audio Operator jobs in CA? For Audio Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Audio Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Audio Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,069 per year, or $33.2 per hour.
Core Audio Software Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Core Audio Software Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 662 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.
Description
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Excellent software design/programming skills in C++
Solid understanding of object-oriented methodologies, multi-threaded programming and operating systems concepts
Experience with digital audio programming and solid debugging skills
At 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
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with Bluetooth accessories is a plus
Experience working with embedded audio in devices like smartphones (Samsung, Pixel), tablets, or Chromebooks would be a plus
Experience with core SW features like Telephony audio and/or Bluetooth audio in a plus

What Apple employees say

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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

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