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Contract Audio Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Audio Engineer at Sofar, you'll bring the magic on the sound desk at local shows throughout ... Please note: this is a month-to-month contract role. During that period of time, you are expected ...

As an Audio Engineer at Sofar, you'll bring the magic on the sound desk at local shows throughout ... Please note: this is a month-to-month contract role. During that period of time, you are expected ...

As an Audio Engineer at Sofar, you'll bring the magic on the sound desk at local shows throughout ... Please note: this is a month-to-month contract role. During that period of time, you are expected ...

As an Audio Engineer at Sofar, you'll bring the magic on the sound desk at local shows throughout ... Please note: this is a month-to-month contract role. During that period of time, you are expected ...

As an Audio Engineer at Sofar, you'll bring the magic on the sound desk at local shows throughout ... Please note: this is a month-to-month contract role. During that period of time, you are expected ...

Vacation & Personal Days per Union Contract; eligible for parking discounts & free ORCA card ... The Head Audio Engineer may also provide additional support to the other positions on the stage ...

Contract Compensation: $39/hour Location: Remote Duration: Up to 6 months Commitment: 10+ hours ... Qualifications Must-Have * 3+ years of experience as a music producer, audio engineer, or sound ...

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$30

$48

$99

How much do contract audio engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract audio engineer in the United States is $48.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.11 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract audio engineer?

A Contract Audio Engineer is a freelance or temporary professional responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering audio for various projects. They typically work on a per-project basis for studios, live events, film productions, podcasts, or gaming companies. Their duties include setting up audio equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring high-quality sound. Since they are not full-time employees, they often manage multiple clients, negotiate their own rates, and handle their own scheduling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract audio engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Audio Engineer, you need expertise in audio recording, mixing, sound editing, and live sound systems, often backed by a degree in audio engineering or related experience. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, mixing consoles, and relevant acoustics software is highly valued, along with certifications like CTS or Avid Pro Tools certification. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, flexibility, and time management are the standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality audio in diverse settings, meeting client expectations, and adapting to variable contract work environments.

What are the typical work environments and schedules for a contract audio engineer?

Contract Audio Engineers often work in a variety of environments, including recording studios, broadcast stations, event venues, and sometimes on-location for film or live events. Schedules can be irregular and are usually project-based, requiring flexibility for night, weekend, or extended hours depending on client needs and event timelines. Collaboration is common with producers, musicians, video editors, and technical teams to ensure seamless audio integration and top-quality results. Being accustomed to different acoustic settings and adapting quickly to new teams or workflows are essential aspects of this role. This dynamic work structure can offer exciting variety and the opportunity to build a diverse portfolio in the audio industry.

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Cities with the most Contract Audio Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs?

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What states have the most Contract Audio Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Audio Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Audio Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,781 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
NASHVILLE SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION
Music Bands and Freelance Musicians • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

  1. Summary

Title: Audio Engineer

Reports to: Director of Production

Employment Status: Full-Time Salaried, Exempt

Overview: As the primary executor of both live and recorded audio for the Nashville Symphony and at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center (SSC), the Audio Engineer helps the Director of Production manage and supervise part-time audio staff and audio production equipment/infrastructure at SSC. This role also works in conjunction with external venues and engineers to ensure the sonic quality of the Nashville Symphony is preserved regardless of the performance context.

  1. Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Collaborate with Director of Production, Artistic Operations staff, orchestra musicians, and conductors to establish and execute audio standards and best-practices consistent with the Nashville Symphony and SSC’s reputation of excellence.
    1. Operate and/or supervise the operation of SSC audio equipment.
    2. Maintain audio equipment, communicating effectively about any repair or replacement needs to the Director of Production in a timely fashion.
    3. Provide audio support for non-orchestral events and concerts at SSC.
  2. Coordinate with other venues, arts organizations, engineers, and artists to cultivate and maintain a high standard of auditory excellence for the Nashville Symphony outside of SSC.
  3. Operate and/or supervise the operation, maintenance, and purchase & installation of SSC audio equipment for the Nashville Symphony, visiting artists/tours, and venue rental clients.
  4. Interpret technical riders and advance audio production for visiting artists and tours congruent with symphony CBA regulations and SSC best practices.
  5. Coordinate with Director of Production and Orchestra Production Manager to complete administrative work related to audio production including coding invoices, scheduling audio labor, and coordinating audio equipment rentals as needed.
  6. Ensure safety of Production Department equipment.
  7. Supervise and direct stagehands for “floor flips” in Laura Turner Concert Hall, as well as other production and maintenance tasks as assigned.

The duties listed above are not all inclusive.  The person in this position is expected to perform other work-related duties as assigned even though they may not be considered primary duties.

  1. Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervision of audio staff, contracted free-lancers, and venders. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

  1. Work Requirements
  1. Education / Experience:
    1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in Audio Engineering or related; or
    2. High School diploma or GED equivalent; and
    3. 5 years of experience mixing and recording in professional settings
  2. Required Soft Skills:
    1. Ability to lead, contribute, and thrive in a team environment.
    2. Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills and a helpful attitude in developing creative responses and solutions to needs and issues.
    3. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex technical manuals and specifications and translate technical terminology to lay terms.
    4. Strong interpersonal skills for balancing the needs of various stakeholders.
    5. Ability to work independently and use independent judgment while keeping supervisor informed of work activity and issues.
    6. Ability to coordinate multiple projects and effectively prioritize tasks while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
    7. Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
  3. Required Technical Skills:
    1. Familiarity with a variety of analog and digital audio equipment including: consoles, microphones, speakers, amplifiers, wireless systems, AoIP protocols, etc.
    2. Familiarity with Digital Audio Workstations.
    3. Excellent computer and Audio over IP networking skills.
    4. Advanced audio mixing and recording proficiency.
    5. Proficiency with soldering iron and heat gun.

The Nashville Symphony Association reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.  This job description is not a contract for employment. All employees are expected to adhere to all terms and conditions of the Association’s Personnel Policies and Employment Manuals and other Association policies and procedures which may be promulgated and published from time to time.