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Audio Sound Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

MVP One

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate ... Solid understanding of video production, sound design, storytelling, animation principles ...

MVP One

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate ... Solid understanding of video production, sound design, storytelling, animation principles ...

MVP One

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate ... Solid understanding of video production, sound design, storytelling, animation principles ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

... including math, programming, audio, production, and visual arts. Utilizing exceptional ... animation, sound, art style. * Work within project schedules and milestones. * Set goals and ...

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All JobsAudio Sound Designer JobsAudio Sound Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Audio Sound Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.2K

$94.9K

$126.2K

How much do audio sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio sound designer in Chicago, IL is $94,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $109,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an audio sound designer do?

An Audio Sound Designer creates and manipulates sound elements for various media, including video games, films, television, and music. They design, record, edit, and mix audio to enhance storytelling and evoke emotions. Their work includes sound effects, ambient noises, dialogue editing, and music integration. Using digital audio workstations (DAWs) and specialized software, they ensure high-quality sound production that complements visual content.

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

To thrive as an Audio Sound Designer, you need expertise in audio engineering, sound editing, and a strong understanding of acoustics and music theory, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and plug-ins, as well as knowledge of field recording and audio integration systems, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality audio experiences that align with project goals and enhance the overall impact of multimedia content.

What are the typical collaboration and teamwork expectations for an audio sound designer?

Audio Sound Designers commonly work closely with game developers, film directors, animators, composers, and other creative professionals to ensure that the audio elements fit seamlessly with visual content and project goals. You'll often be involved in team meetings, creative brainstorming sessions, and review cycles, where clear communication and adaptability are key. Depending on the company, you might work as part of an audio department or collaborate remotely with interdisciplinary teams around the world. This teamwork-oriented environment fosters creative synergy and ensures that final productions meet the highest quality standards.

How much money do audio sound designers make?

Audio sound designers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals working in film, gaming, or advertising can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills and advanced equipment knowledge.

Is sound design a good career?

Sound design is a viable career for those interested in audio production, requiring skills in editing, mixing, and using tools like Pro Tools or Ableton Live. It offers opportunities in film, video games, advertising, and theater, often involving project-based work and collaboration with creative teams.

What qualifications do I need to be an Audio Sound Designer?

To become an audio sound designer, a bachelor's degree in audio engineering, sound design, music production, or a related field is typically required. Strong skills in digital audio workstations (DAWs), sound editing, and mixing are essential, along with a good understanding of acoustics and audio technology. Relevant experience, a portfolio of work, and knowledge of industry-standard tools like Pro Tools or Ableton Live are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Audio Sound Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Audio Sound Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Audio Sound Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Audio Sound Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Audio Sound Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Audio Sound Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,876 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Audio Engineer (Part-Time)

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$33.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 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.

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