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Audio Recording Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

W2VHE Field A/V Technician: eBryIT is seeking an experienced A/V Tech who is experienced in more ... Good driving record over the last 3 years. Job Type: Temporary. Schedule: * 8 hour shift. * Day ...

Achieving monthly sales goals Job Requirements: * 3+ years successful sales track record work experience in consumer electronics industry * Working knowledge of premium audio, home theater, control ...

Achieving monthly sales goals Job Requirements: * 3+ years successful sales track record work experience in consumer electronics industry * Working knowledge of premium audio, home theater, control ...

Strong expertise in camera operation, lighting techniques, audio recording, and production workflows. * Exceptional storytelling, visual composition, and creative development skills. * Experience ...

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Audio Recording information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$87K

$176.7K

How much do audio recording jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio recording in Chicago, IL is $87,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $116,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is audio recording?

Audio recording is the process of capturing sounds, such as music, speech, or environmental noise, using microphones and recording equipment. The captured sound is then converted into a digital or analog format that can be stored, edited, and played back. Audio recording is used in various industries, including music production, film, broadcasting, and podcasting. Professionals in this field work with specialized technology to ensure high-quality recordings and may also be involved in mixing and editing the audio.

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

To thrive in Audio Recording, you need a solid understanding of acoustics, audio engineering principles, and experience with recording techniques, often backed by a degree or certification in audio production or sound engineering. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, microphones, mixing consoles, and signal processors is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality audio production, efficient collaboration, and the ability to meet clients' creative and technical needs.

What are some common challenges faced by audio recording professionals, and how can they be managed?

Audio recording professionals often encounter challenges such as capturing clean sound in noisy environments, managing technical issues with equipment, and meeting tight project deadlines. To address these, it’s important to invest in quality microphones, soundproofing solutions, and regular equipment maintenance. Developing strong communication skills also helps when collaborating with artists, producers, and other team members, ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals and timelines. Staying updated with the latest recording technology and techniques can further enhance efficiency and audio quality.

What is the difference between Audio Recording vs Sound Engineering?

AspectAudio RecordingSound Engineering
CredentialsOften requires audio production or recording certificationsRequires sound engineering or audio engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, post-production facilitiesConcert venues, recording studios, live events
Industry UsageFocuses on capturing and editing audio recordingsInvolves mixing, mastering, and live sound management

Audio Recording primarily involves capturing and editing audio in studio settings, while Sound Engineering encompasses a broader range of tasks including live sound management and mixing. Both roles require similar certifications and often overlap in studio environments, but Sound Engineering typically includes live sound and technical setup responsibilities.

Are audio recording jobs in high demand?

Audio recording jobs are experiencing steady demand due to the growth of podcasts, streaming content, and multimedia production. Skills in editing, mixing, and familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) are valuable for these roles, which are often found in media companies, studios, and freelance settings.
Infographic showing various Audio Recording job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 14% Temporary, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,001 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Audio Engineer (Part-Time)

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$33.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 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.