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Entry Level Sound Design Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Sound Design information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$14

$20

$26

How much do entry level sound design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sound design in Columbia, SC is $20.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Sound Designer, you need a foundational knowledge of audio engineering, sound editing, and basic music theory, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live, and sound libraries is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with teams and interpreting project requirements. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality audio production and successful integration of sound elements into various media formats.

What is entry level sound design?

Entry level sound design refers to the process of creating and editing audio elements for various media, such as films, video games, and commercials, performed by individuals who are just starting their careers in sound design. These professionals typically assist senior sound designers, handle basic tasks like cleaning up audio, adding simple sound effects, and learning industry-standard software. Entry level sound designers may also be involved in recording, mixing, and organizing sound libraries, while gaining experience and building their portfolios. This role is ideal for those passionate about audio and looking to break into the entertainment or media industries.

What types of projects and teams will I typically work with as an entry level sound designer?

As an entry-level sound designer, you'll often collaborate with audio engineers, game developers, video producers, or marketing teams, depending on the industry. Your projects might include creating sound effects for games, films, or advertisements, editing audio tracks, or participating in post-production tasks. Expect to work closely with more experienced sound designers and receive feedback to help you develop your technical and creative skills. Teamwork and communication are key, as you'll frequently adjust your work based on the project's creative direction and client needs.

How to start a career in entry level sound design?

To start a career in entry level sound design, gain foundational knowledge of audio editing software such as Pro Tools or Ableton Live, and develop skills in sound recording, editing, and mixing. Building a portfolio of projects, pursuing relevant certifications, and gaining experience through internships or freelance work can help entry-level sound designers enter the field.

Does entry level sound design pay well?

Entry level sound design positions typically offer starting salaries that are modest compared to experienced roles, often ranging from minimum wage to mid-range salaries depending on the industry and location. As skills such as proficiency with digital audio workstations and understanding of audio editing are developed, pay can increase with experience and portfolio quality.

Is sound design in demand?

Sound design is in demand across industries such as film, video games, advertising, and virtual reality, with growth driven by increasing multimedia content production. Entry-level sound designers with skills in digital audio workstations and sound editing software are sought after as companies seek high-quality audio experiences.
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Sound Design jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Sound Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sound Design job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,253 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Re-Hire Communications Specialist III (Dispatcher)

State of South Carolina

Blythewood, SC

$37K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities The ideal candidate will possess strong customer service skills, the ability to work independently, and advanced multi-tasking skills in order to listen, talk, read, and type simultaneously with accuracy. Receives and dispatches information to South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) enforcement personnel and other agencies over two-way radio systems, telephones, teletype, computer-aided dispatch, and fax machine. Maintains computer-aided dispatch (CAD) documentation of all radio transmissions, accident call-in reports, teletype reports, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) / Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) transactions.

(This is the primary means utilized for documentation of information received.) Receives calls from citizens requesting assistance for traffic accidents, reckless drivers, road rage, disabled motorists, attempting to contact troopers, and other road conditions that require emergency response. Provides information on road and weather conditions and best routes to travel. Retrieves information from computer terminals for driver's license and vehicle registration, both in-state and out-of-state

Inquires NCIC to determine possible stolen vehicles, wanted and missing persons, and stolen gun reports. Directs law enforcement officers to traffic accident scenes or any other type of situation requiring response. Reads maps to find locations to relay to troopers in locating incidents.

Maintains recorder system, notifying personnel of any malfunctions. Acts as backup for the Emergency Preparedness Division in receiving notification from Nuclear power plants and facilities of any potential unplanned or accidental release of radioactive material. Immediately notify the Bureau of Radiological Health and the Emergency Preparedness Division upon notification.

Receive calls for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Revenue (DOR) from the public requesting information and/or assistance after normal working hours. Working Conditions: This position works in an office-type setting and may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods and the ability to maintain composure in emergency and stressful situations. Minimum and Additional Requirements State Minimum Requirements - A high school diploma and entry-level work experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations.

An associate degree in a technical communications discipline may be substituted for the required experience. Agency Minimum Requirements - A high school diploma and entry-level work experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations or an acceptable equivalency approved by the Division of State Human Resources. An associate's degree in a technical communications discipline may be substituted for the required experience.

Additional Requirements Must be a US Citizen and at least 18 years old. Must have a valid driver's license. Must be able to perform all essential and marginal job functions of a Communications Specialist III (Dispatcher).

All qualified applicants will be required to undergo an extensive background review, including a criminal history check, driving history, history of drug use, employer and personal reference check, a polygraph examination, interview board, and pre-employment drug screening test. Applicants with current or prior public safety/law enforcement dispatch experience must provide all information regarding current or former employers, including dates of employment and contact information. This will be required to verify the claimed public safety dispatch experience.

Applicants must have the ability to convey and interpret oral and written communications to and from law enforcement officers and the general public. Applicants must have the ability to type and operate a computer or quickly acquire typing and computer skills. Applicants must possess the ability to solicit accurate information in an emergency situation.

Applicants must possess the ability to remain calm and make quick decisions during stressful situations and emergencies. Applicants must have the ability to relate well with the public over the telephone. Applicants must possess the ability to read a map.

Applicants must have the ability to pass and maintain National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification. Applicants must possess a high degree of independence in completing the work with accountability for their own actions and decisions in the absence of a supervisor. Applicants must be able to work at a fast pace where quick sound decision making is necessary.

Applicants must be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours on short notice. Applicants must be able to provide immediate response to emergency situations and determine required action in a calm manner. All applicants will be required to participate in a background investigation to include: criminal history check, driving history, history of drug use, employer & reference check and a polygraph examination.

NOTE: If any Additional Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those Additional Requirements to be considered for the position. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a customer service environment. Entry-level work experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations.

Additional Comments The Communication Specialist III (Dispatcher) position is an essential position and a vital link to the trooper/officer in the performance of their job duties. This position REQUIRES the employee to work rotating 12-hour shifts, which include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours on short notice. Shifts are scheduled based on the center's needs to cover shifts 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Must work a minimum of 40 hours weekly. The South Carolina Highway Patrol operates three (3) regional Telecommunications Centers. Telecommunications Centers are located in Blythewood, Florence, and Greenville.

Applicants must select which center they are applying for in the supplemental questions portion of the application. Only Telecommunications Centers with current vacancies will be listed in the supplemental questions. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.

The department prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.


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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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