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Audio Sound Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fox

Lead Audio Operator

Washington, DC

$35.50 - $50/hr

... sound. You'll work closely with production, engineering, and technical teams while helping mentor ... Design, build, and operate complex live audio workflows including studio and remote translations ...

History Factory

Video Editor

Washington, DC · Remote

Strong working knowledge of professional color grading, audio mixing, and sound design. Familiarity with AI video/animation tools is a major plus. * AI Creation Tools: Basic knowledge/experience of ...

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All JobsAudio Sound Design JobsAudio Sound Design Jobs in Washington

Audio Sound Design information

See Washington salary details

$46.4K

$104.3K

$138.7K

How much do audio sound design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio sound design in Washington is $104,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is audio sound design?

Audio sound design is the process of creating, recording, manipulating, and assembling audio elements for various forms of media, such as films, video games, theater, and music. Sound designers craft everything from ambient backgrounds to specific sound effects that enhance the audience's experience and support the storytelling. This work involves using software and hardware tools to record, edit, and mix sounds, ensuring they fit seamlessly within a project. Sound designers often collaborate with directors, composers, and other creative professionals to achieve the desired audio atmosphere.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an audio sound designer?

To thrive as an Audio Sound Designer, you need a solid grasp of audio engineering principles, sound theory, and proficiency in music or audio production, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live, as well as audio editing plugins and sound libraries, is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help sound designers craft immersive experiences and communicate effectively with directors and developers. These abilities ensure high-quality, engaging audio that enhances the overall impact of multimedia projects.

How does an audio sound designer typically collaborate with game developers and other creative team members?

Audio sound designers work closely with game developers, composers, and artists to create immersive soundscapes that enhance the player experience. This collaboration often involves attending regular team meetings, reviewing game builds, and integrating feedback to ensure audio elements align seamlessly with gameplay and visuals. Sound designers may also use middleware tools to implement audio assets directly into the game engine, requiring clear communication with programmers and designers. Effective teamwork is essential for balancing creative vision with technical requirements and meeting production deadlines.

What is the difference between Audio Sound Design vs Audio Post-Production?

AspectAudio Sound DesignAudio Post-Production
Primary FocusCreating original sound elements and effects for mediaEditing, mixing, and mastering audio for final output
Skills & ToolsSound creation, Foley, synthesis, sound editing softwareAudio editing, noise reduction, equalization, mixing consoles
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, game studios, sound studiosPost-production houses, film and TV studios
CredentialsAudio engineering, sound design certificationsAudio engineering, post-production certifications

While both roles involve working with audio, Audio Sound Design focuses on creating and designing original sounds, whereas Audio Post-Production involves editing and refining audio recordings for the final media product. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or specialization within the audio industry.

What are popular job titles related to Audio Sound Design jobs in Washington?

For Audio Sound Design jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Audio Sound Design jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Audio Sound Design jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Audio Sound Design jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Audio Sound Design job openings:

Audio Sound Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Audio Sound Design job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,311 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Associate Audio Engineer, Podcasts

Washington, DC • Remote

The Atlantic
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about The Atlanticexternal

$77K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a driven, detail-oriented associate audio engineer to join our growing podcast team. This person will work with show hosts, producers, editors, and fellow engineers to make video and audio podcasts whose sound elevates Atlantic journalism. The right candidate will be capable of working both individually and with team members of all experience levels to ensure a seamless workflow and help our programs sound and look their best.

The role will at times include night, early-morning, and weekend work. The role may also require a regular Sunday-Thursday schedule.

Responsibilities include:

  • Mix and master and repair audio for both video and audio podcasts

  • Work with producers to score episodes

  • Integrate music and sound design, as needed, e.g. mixing in intro and outro music

  • Deliver video and audio files that meet the necessary specifications across relevant podcast and video platforms. Work with producers to prepare and clean up music, dialogue, archival, and other audio, and to incorporate edits/feedback as needed

  • Assist with recording in-studio, remote connections, and in the field, if needed

  • Maintain our podcast studio and ensure producers use best practices in studio

  • Troubleshoot technical issues with team members, assist Atlantic writers and editors in establishing the best home-recording setups possible where needed

  • Archive published episodes and files

Qualifications of the ideal candidate:

  • Mastery of, and ability to help team members troubleshoot issues with, ProTools, Izotope products, Audio Hijack, and other podcast production software

  • Experience working with video editors, AAF workflows, and Adobe Premiere

  • Experience working with Riverside.fm, Comrex and other remote recording platforms

  • Knowledge of Dropbox and other file sharing platforms

  • Fluent understanding of remote filing and recording

  • Excellent at meeting deadlines and working independently

  • A collaborative approach to creation and an independent work ethic

  • Experience with video editing, cameras, and lighting is a plus

Salary Minimum: $77,000; Salary maximum: $80,000

This position is based in Washington, D.C.

This is a Guild position.

About The Atlantic:

The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.

_____________

The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer.The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encouragesmembers of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women,LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities.We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. TheAtlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

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