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Audio Sound Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Principal Sound Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Work closely with the Audio Director to help define and execute the project's overall audio vision. * Collaborate with engineers and fellow sound designers to build, implement, and scale audio ...

Livenation

Audio Engineer

Riverside, CA · On-site

Maintain a relationship with local & National Audio Vendors Maintenance and repair of sound, light and stage equipment * May assist the Stage Manager with show passes * Assist lighting crew with ...

3M HEALTHCARE

Sr Director, Sound Design

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$235.40 - $353/hr

This leader sets the standard for world‑class audio experiences, guiding teams and collaborating with internal studios and external partners to deliver groundbreaking, emotionally resonant sound ...

Meta

Audio Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$144K/yr

Familiarity with human perception of spatial sound * Familiarity with typical DSP building blocks such as digital biquad filters, IIR, FIR, AGC, wide-band/multi-band DRC, and audio capture algorithms ...

Apple

Core Audio Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

MGCT's audio team builds the audio infrastructure that powers every sound you hear on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, and Apple Vision Pro. We are looking for a seasoned ...

Livenation

Audio Engineer

San Diego, CA

Maintain a relationship with local & National Audio Vendors Maintenance and repair of sound, light and stage equipment * May assist the Stage Manager with show passes * Assist lighting crew with ...

Livenation

Audio Engineer- Belasco

Los Angeles, CA

Maintain a relationship with local & National Audio Vendors Maintenance and repair of sound, light and stage equipment * May assist the Stage Manager with show passes * Assist lighting crew with ...

The Buckley School

$41 - $50/hr

Supervise and configure systems for live streaming, multi-camera events, and sound reinforcement as ... As a subject matter expert in audio, advise on other campus implementations of audio / pro-audio ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAudio Sound JobsAudio Sound Jobs in California

Audio Sound information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$83.3K

$169.3K

How much do audio sound jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio sound in California is $83,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an audio sound engineer?

Audio sound engineers, also known as sound engineers or audio engineers, are professionals who work with the technical aspects of sound during the processes of recording, mixing, and reproducing audio. They operate equipment to record music, voices, sound effects, and other audio elements for various media, such as music productions, films, television, and live events. Their responsibilities also include setting up microphones, using mixing consoles, and editing audio tracks to ensure high-quality sound. Audio sound engineers often collaborate closely with producers, musicians, and other technical staff to achieve the desired audio output.

What are some common challenges audio sound professionals face when working on live events?

Audio sound professionals working on live events often encounter challenges such as managing feedback, adapting to different acoustics in various venues, and troubleshooting equipment issues in real time. They must be able to quickly identify and resolve audio problems to ensure a seamless experience for both performers and the audience. Collaboration with other technical staff, such as lighting and stage managers, is crucial to coordinate cues and maintain overall event quality. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an audio sound engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Audio Sound Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio theory, acoustics, and sound recording techniques, often supported by a degree or certification in audio engineering. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and various mixing consoles is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills enable effective collaboration with artists and production teams. These skills ensure high-quality sound production, efficient workflow, and successful project outcomes in music, film, or live events.

What is the difference between Audio Sound vs Audio Engineer?

AspectAudio SoundAudio Engineer
CredentialsOften no formal degree, focus on skillsBachelor's degree in audio engineering, sound design, or related field
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live events, broadcastingRecording studios, post-production, live sound reinforcement
Industry UsageUsed broadly for sound production rolesSpecific technical role in sound recording and mixing
Job FocusSound production, editing, mixingTechnical setup, sound recording, mixing, mastering

Audio Sound generally refers to roles focused on sound production and editing, often with less formal credentials. Audio Engineer involves technical expertise in recording, mixing, and mastering, typically requiring specialized education. Both roles are vital in the audio industry but differ in scope and technical requirements.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Audio Sound jobs?

Cities in California with the most Audio Sound job openings:

Audio Sound jobs near you
Infographic showing various Audio Sound job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,350 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Principal Sound Designer

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Summary
We are looking for a versatile and experienced Principal Sound Designer to join our audio team to craft and implement exceptional sound design. This role is crucial in support of defining an iconic soundscape for our unique and innovative open world game. As a Principal, your mission is to use your creative and technical audio skills to inspire and evangelize the team in creating outstanding and compelling sound design. You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with some of the greatest developers in the industry on an exciting, immersive, narrative AAA game.
Core Responsibilities
  • Create exceptional and immersive sound design using both commercial and proprietary tools, software, and source material.
  • Work closely with the Audio Director to help define and execute the project's overall audio vision.
  • Collaborate with engineers and fellow sound designers to build, implement, and scale audio pipelines.
  • Proactively anticipate project needs and independently develop and implement solutions.
  • Optimize audio assets and recommend workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex audio issues across multiple disciplines.
  • Effectively communicate technical and creative ideas through clear written and verbal communication.
  • Manage time independently and drive complex, multi-phase initiatives through to completion.

Core Qualifications
  • 8+ years of professional experience in the games industry as a sound designer, with some senior experience on shipped AAA titles.
  • Proven track record of owning and delivering complex audio systems on shipped titles.
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating with engineering and cross-disciplinary teams on large-scale projects.
  • Strong background in recording high-quality source material and pushing it through to final asset implementation.
  • Expertise with AAA game engines and deep knowledge of audio implementation workflows.
  • Advanced proficiency in Wwise and real-time audio systems.
  • Background in mentoring team members and sharing both technical and creative expertise.

Key Attributes
  • A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a strong emphasis on cross-discipline partnership.
  • Ability to inspire and elevate others through leadership, mentorship, and craftsmanship.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of solving problems with minimal direction.
  • Adaptable and responsive to feedback and evolving project requirements.

Plus if
  • Experience contributing during early development and R&D phases.
  • Experience designing and improving custom audio tools and workflows for large scale open-world games.
  • Scripting experience in Python, MEL, or similar languages.
  • Passion for video games, storytelling, cinema, and a strong understanding of game audio.

Description
  • Full-time job with benefits.
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways.
  • The base pay range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including paid time off, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

About Absurd Ventures
Absurd Ventures is a media company creating new IP across all platforms and for all formats. Absurd Ventures is building narrative worlds, creating characters, and writing stories for a variety of genres, without regard to medium, to be produced for live-action and animation; video games and other interactive content; books, graphic novels, and scripted podcasts.

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