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Contract Audio Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sofar Sounds

Audio Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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 ...

Sofar Sounds

Audio Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$450 - $900/mo

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 ...

Sofar Sounds

Audio Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

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 ...

Knightscope

Senior Audio/Video Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$155K - $210K/yr

Define and maintain A/V API contracts in collaboration with ICM and Signals platform engineers; contribute to code reviews, technical documentation, and on-call runbooks. * Mentor junior engineers ...

Knightscope

Senior Audio/Video Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$155K - $210K/yr

Define and maintain A/V API contracts in collaboration with ICM and Signals platform engineers; contribute to code reviews, technical documentation, and on-call runbooks. * Mentor junior engineers ...

Knightscope

Senior Audio/Video Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Define and maintain A/V API contracts in collaboration with ICM and Signals platform engineers; contribute to code reviews, technical documentation, and on-call runbooks. * Mentor junior engineers ...

PTR Global

Test Engineer III

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$52 - $55/hr

Contract Job ID: 171451 Job Overview: We are seeking a skilled Test Engineer III to support ... Proficiency with Soundcheck audio measurement software. * Experience executing and debugging ...

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All JobsContract Audio Engineer JobsContract Audio Engineer Jobs in California

Contract Audio Engineer information

See California salary details

$29

$48

$97

How much do contract audio engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract audio engineer in California is $48.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.58 and $50.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Audio Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Audio Engineer jobs in California? For Contract Audio Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Audio Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Audio Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Audio Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Audio Engineer job openings:
Contract Audio Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Audio Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,448 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Audio Engineer

Blackstar Computers, Inc

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Own the acoustic and audio experience of Blackstar's devices, from transducer selection and enclosure tuning through production validation.
What you'll do
  • Design and tune the audio path across speakers, microphones, and their acoustic enclosures.
  • Characterize and optimize acoustic performance through measurement, modeling, and listening tests.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and embedded teams to integrate audio components into the product.
  • Work with manufacturing partners to validate acoustic performance from prototype through volume production.

What we're looking for
  • Strong understanding of electroacoustics, transducer design, and audio signal chains.
  • Hands-on experience with acoustic measurement tools and anechoic or lab test setups.
  • Familiarity with DSP, audio tuning, and psychoacoustics.
  • Willingness to work between Shenzhen and San Francisco as needed.

Nice to have
  • Experience shipping audio in consumer electronics (earbuds, speakers, wearables).
  • Background in microphone arrays, beamforming, or active noise cancellation.
  • Experience working directly with contract manufacturers in Asia.

Apply