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Entry Level Sound Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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This Opportunity Provides technical design and CADD support to engineers and project managers to ... Provide guidance and training to entry-level drafting and design support staff. * Remain current in ...

Entry Level Sound Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.8K

$73.6K

$125.1K

How much do entry level sound engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level sound engineer in Portland, OR is $73,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level sound engineers?

Entry level sound engineers are professionals who are just starting their careers in audio engineering. They typically assist senior engineers in setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment for live events, recordings, or broadcasts. Their duties often include microphone placement, cable management, monitoring sound levels, and troubleshooting technical issues. Entry level sound engineers usually work under supervision and gain hands-on experience while learning more advanced techniques on the job.

Is there a demand for sound engineers?

The demand for sound engineers, including entry-level positions, remains steady due to ongoing needs in live events, film, television, and recording industries. Skills in audio editing, mixing, and familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) are valuable for securing employment in this field.

What types of projects and teams do entry level sound engineers typically work with in their first role?

Entry level sound engineers often work on a variety of projects, such as live events, studio recordings, podcasts, or post-production for media. They usually collaborate closely with senior engineers, producers, musicians, and sometimes clients, gaining hands-on experience while supporting setup, equipment checks, and troubleshooting. Team structures are generally collaborative and mentorship-focused, allowing new engineers to learn industry practices and technical skills on the job. This environment provides a strong foundation for career growth through exposure to different audio workflows and networking opportunities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Sound Engineer vs Assistant Sound Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Sound EngineerAssistant Sound Engineer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical training or certification preferredSimilar; often requires technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live venues, broadcast stationsRecording studios, live events, assisting senior engineers
Employer & Industry UsageMusic, film, TV, radio industriesMusic production, live sound, broadcasting
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Sound Engineer and an Assistant Sound Engineer lies in their responsibilities. Entry Level Sound Engineers typically handle basic recording and mixing tasks, while Assistant Sound Engineers support senior engineers with setup, equipment management, and technical assistance. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, often overlapping in industry usage. The choice depends on experience level and specific job duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Sound Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sound Engineer, you need a basic understanding of audio principles, signal flow, and acoustics, typically supported by a relevant degree or diploma in audio engineering or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, as well as audio mixing consoles and microphones, is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help set you apart in this collaborative and fast-paced environment. These skills ensure high-quality audio production, efficient problem-solving, and smooth coordination with artists and technical teams.

How to start a career in Sound Engineer?

To start a career as a sound engineer, gain foundational knowledge through a relevant degree or certification in audio engineering or related fields. Develop practical skills by working on projects, internships, or volunteering to operate sound equipment, and become proficient with industry-standard tools like mixing consoles and digital audio workstations. Building a portfolio and networking within the industry can also help secure entry-level positions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Most entry-level sound engineers do not earn $500,000; such high salaries are typically seen in senior or specialized roles within the entertainment industry, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and working on large-scale projects. High earnings for sound engineers are usually associated with top-tier positions, freelance work, or those who own their own production companies.

How to get into sound engineering with no experience?

Entry level sound engineers often start by gaining basic knowledge of audio equipment, such as mixers and microphones, through online courses or tutorials. Building hands-on experience by volunteering at local events, assisting experienced engineers, or working in related roles like stagehand can help develop practical skills and improve employability. Certifications in audio technology or related fields can also enhance prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Sound Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sound Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,559 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Special Housing Program Coordinator, Correctional Counselor with Entry level option (Wilsonville)

State of Oregon

Wilsonville, OR • On-site

$6.8K - $9.1K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


State Of Oregon rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states


Job description

Initial Posting Date:
07/23/2026
Application Deadline:
08/02/2026
Agency:
Department of Corrections
Salary Range:
$6,895 - $9,140
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Special Housing Program Coordinator, Correctional Counselor with Entry level option (Wilsonville)
Job Description:
Special Housing Program Coordinator, Correctional Counselor with Entry level option (Wilsonville)
Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
Oregon Department of Corrections
Coffee Creek Correctional Facility is seeking a motivated, collaborative professional to step into the role of Special Housing Coordinator. This position provides leadership, structure, and coordination for programming within the Special Housing Unit.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification.
An underfill must meet the minimum qualifications for the lower classification and would receive the pay in accordance with the lower classifications salary range until they meet the minimum qualification for the full position. At that time the successful candidate would be moved to the higher classification and salary range.
The salary range for the underfill is: $5,483- $6,578.
Preference may be given to candidates who can meet the full qualifications.
About the Job - Your Role
The Special Housing Program Coordinator is responsible for directing, managing, and coordinating all program activities within CCCF's Special Housing Unit. This role is critical in supporting AIC stabilization, behavior change, and successful transition back to general population while maintaining institutional safety and security.
Key Responsibilities
  • Create and implement existing and new program components that are consistent with sound corrections policy to enhance AIC transition
  • Facilitates evidence-based programs in special housing units statewide, some examples include Getting Started, Social Values, Responsible Thinking, Self-Control, Peer Relationships, Family ties, Substance Use, and Seeking Employment.
  • Utilizes techniques such as motivational interviewing and Trauma Informed Care, derived from contractor or internal DOC trainers, to facilitate behavior change and address identified patterns of behavior.
  • Records data, tracks participants, and evaluates participation detail while collaborating with resource providers and multi-disciplinary teams
  • Meets with AICs one-on-one to review curriculum assignments assigned by special housing program coordinators and provide individual services.
  • Prepares and provides weekly and monthly reports to multidisciplinary teams and the Assistant Superintendent of Special Housing to assist with updating unit data.

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.
Minimum Qualifications
Your application materials will be reviewed to verify that you have:
  • Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science, criminal justice or related field with major coursework in behavioral science; AND have two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR
  • Three (3) years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems AND two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR
  • Master's degree in a behavioral science or criminal justice AND one (1) year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.

Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.
NOTE: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan.
Entry Level/Underfill Minimum Qualifications:
  • Three (3) years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems; OR
  • a Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science or a related field with major courses in behavioral science.

Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.
NOTE: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan.
Requested Skills
  • Ability to create and implement program components that align with sound corrections policy to support AIC transition.
  • Experience facilitating evidence-based programs such as Getting Started, Social Values, Responsible Thinking, Self-Control, Peer Relationships, Family Ties, Substance Use, and Seeking Employment.
  • Ability to utilize motivational interviewing and Trauma Informed Care techniques during program facilitation and individual interventions.
  • Experience recording data, tracking participants, and evaluating participation details in coordination with resource providers and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to meet with AICs one-on-one to review curriculum assignments and provide individual services.
  • Experience preparing weekly and monthly reports for multidisciplinary teams and facility leadership to support unit data updates.
  • Ability to closely collaborate with stakeholders such as security, BHS, and medical

Preferred Skills
  • Possess a current Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification
  • Experience working with the female population and an understanding of gender-responsive practices

Application Information
  • In the Work Experience section of your application make sure to include the dates and duties of all relevant positions and details to support how you meet these attributes. If you do not include education or work experience meeting the minimum qualifications, you will not be considered for the position. Only the candidates whose experience most closely matches the qualifications and requested skills of this position will be invited to interview. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the job posting close date.
  • The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans' preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
  • Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
  • As part of our selection process, we may require additional assessment stages, such as written exercises, to further evaluate candidates' qualifications. Meaningful participation in these exercises is required for all applicants moving forward in the process. Failure to complete the required exercise(s) within the specified timeframe will result in disqualification from consideration. All candidates who successfully complete these screening stages and meet the necessary requirements will advance to the next stage in the selection process.
  • Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

Working Conditions
The Oregon Department of Corrections is tobacco free. Use of tobacco products is prohibited within the buildings or on the grounds.
Work is performed in a prison, housing maximum, close, and medium custody AICs. The AICs have the potential for becoming angry, hostile, abusive, and aggressive increasing the risk to employees for physical injury, death, and/or being taken hostage. There is an inherent responsibility to aid through recall and/or reassignment during AIC unrest and other emergency situations occurring at the institution.
All employees are required to use a computer for electronic mail and related AIC work systems in the regular performance of their duties. Daily use of computers for extended periods of time is normal. Overtime when required when there are emergencies or a need for immediate programming services, is mandatory. Some travel and use of a state car may be required including occasional in-state and out-of-state overnight travel.
This employee will be expected to share the mission, vision and core values of the Department.
This position requires active modeling of pro-social behaviors in support of a workplace environment respectful of human dignity, social responsibility, personal growth, and transition readiness. This employee must be able to acknowledge that everyone is capable of positive change, that incarceration provides a powerful opportunity to effect positive change, and that the future public safety of Oregon depends on maintaining environments where such change is valued and nurtured.
All employees shall be expected to interact with co-workers, AICs and the public in a professional, respectful manner. This includes refraining from any type of behavior, action or language that could be perceived as hostile, discriminatory, intimidating, violent or abusive.
About the Department
The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.
The Oregon Department of Corrections serves a diverse and changing population of people who are incarcerated and on supervision. We commit to creating an organization both reflecting the diversity of the population we serve and ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system. Welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people. Free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
The Department offers a variety of programs and opportunity to create a safe and healthy environment to for our staff, volunteers, and adults in custody. Joining the Oregon Department of Corrections is joining a team working for the benefit of our communities through innovative and proven correctional practices.
Benefits
The salary range listed above is for non-PERS qualifying applicants. PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range to reflect an additional 6.95%.
The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, which includes:
  • Family health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
  • 21 days paid military leave for national guard and reserve components
  • Optional short and long-term disability
  • Term life insurance
  • Fully paid retirement program
  • Oregon Saving Growth Plan
  • Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
  • And more

About the Process - What to Expect
  • After the application deadline, a recruiter will review submissions for education and experience to identify candidates who best fit the minimum qualifications and requested skills.
  • Top candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
  • The hiring manager will review your application and schedule interviews.
  • Interview will be held with a panel of stakeholders who have completed panel assessment training. Scores will be determined based on predetermined questions and scoring guides. Preferences points will be applied in compliance with relevant laws and bargaining agreements. There may be multiple rounds of interviews.
  • Final candidates will have a background check, PREA check, and reference checks.
  • A Classification and Compensation analyst will review the Workday Application of the successful candidate to determine starting wages. Learn more about Equal Pay.
  • A job offer will be extended through Workday to the successful candidate. Congratulations, and welcome to the team!

Requirements for Employment
The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, there may be some felony convictions that could disqualify you for this position. However, having a felony record does not exclusively restrict you from being considered as an applicant. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer. If you have questions about whether or not your criminal record could disqualify for you, please contact the recruiter for more information.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Department of Corrections core values. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and

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About State of Oregon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Not a traditional company, the State of Oregon is a governmental entity that serves the citizens of Oregon, United States. Based in the capital city of Salem, its industry spans a wide range of public services from health care, education, and transportation, to natural resources, housing, and public safety. Founded with the admission of Oregon to the Union in 1859, it operates on the judicious use of finite resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generation. Its primary mission is to serve the public through their core values of integrity, accountability, excellence, and equity.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salem, OR, US

Year founded

1859

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