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Freelance Audio Editing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Content Creator - Freelance

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our freelance Content Creator develops, produces, captures, and edits original content across ... audio finishing competence for finished pieces; comfort handing off to a specialist editor when the ...

Digital Remedy

Content Creator - Freelance

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our freelance Content Creator develops, produces, captures, and edits original content across ... audio finishing competence for finished pieces; comfort handing off to a specialist editor when the ...

Plutus LLC

Adult Video Editor IC

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Remote About the Opportunity We are seeking an experienced freelance Video Editor to edit premium ... editing software. * Strong understanding of pacing, storytelling, audio mixing, color correction ...

ESPN

Assignment Desk Editor I

Inglewood, CA

$49K - $66K/yr

Coordinates the efforts of freelance and staff producers and associated production/technical ... and audio sports/news material for ESPN platforms. Handles all ancillary crew needs, such as ...

ESPN

Assignment Desk Editor I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Coordinates the efforts of freelance and staff producers and associated production/technical ... and audio sports/news material for ESPN platforms. Handles all ancillary crew needs, such as ...

Paramount

Freelance Production Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.67/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Freelance Production Assistants operate the teleprompter during live newscasts, manage and organize ... Editing video and audio for broadcast * Operating technical production equipment * Supporting the ...

Paramount

Freelance Production Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.67/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Freelance Production Assistants operate the teleprompter during live newscasts, manage and organize ... Editing video and audio for broadcast * Operating technical production equipment * Supporting the ...

Outerknown

Brand Editor & Videographer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Editing * Edit content across all brand channels, including: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Paid ... Color correct, mix audio, add motion graphics, subtitles, and finishing touches. * Build multiple ...

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All JobsAudio Editing JobsFreelance Audio Editing JobsFreelance Audio Editing Jobs in California

Freelance Audio Editing information

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$13

$25

$38

How much do freelance audio editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance audio editing in California is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are freelance audio editing jobs?

Freelance audio editing jobs involve processing and editing sound via computer programs and other technology. As a freelance audio editor, you work independently via contracts with companies or clients. You source, manage, and complete each project, editing sound and media in a professional or home studio. Your responsibilities may involve operating sound and mixing boards, recording and editing music, voices, and other sound effects, and editing live sound. You mix music and sounds to create original products for clients or companies. As a freelance audio editor, your duties include sourcing jobs, balancing your workload, and tracking billing, payments, and taxes.

What are some common challenges freelance audio editors face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance audio editors often juggle projects from several clients simultaneously, which can present challenges such as managing varying deadlines, adhering to different quality standards, and accommodating unique client preferences. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for balancing these demands and ensuring client satisfaction. Additionally, freelancers must be proactive in setting clear expectations and maintaining a consistent workflow to avoid burnout and deliver timely, high-quality results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance audio editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Audio Editor, you need a solid grasp of audio editing techniques, sound design, and an understanding of acoustics, often supported by experience or relevant coursework. Proficiency with industry-standard digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, or Audacity, as well as familiarity with plugins and audio formats, is essential. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective client communication distinguish top freelancers in this field. These skills ensure high-quality, polished audio deliverables that meet client specifications and deadlines.

What is freelance audio editing?

Freelance audio editing is the process of independently working with audio files to enhance their quality, remove unwanted noise, adjust levels, add effects, and ensure the final product meets specific requirements. Freelance audio editors often work with clients such as podcasters, musicians, filmmakers, and businesses to polish their audio content. This role involves using specialized software and tools to edit, mix, and master audio tracks according to the client's needs. Freelancers have the flexibility to choose projects and set their own schedules, typically working remotely.

What is the difference between Freelance Audio Editing vs Audio Engineer?

AspectFreelance Audio EditingAudio Engineer
CredentialsOften self-taught or with basic training; certifications optionalTypically holds degrees or certifications in audio engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, freelance setupStudio, live events, or broadcast environments, often employed by companies
Industry UsageUsed across music, podcasting, film, and media projectsCommon in recording studios, broadcasting, live sound, and post-production

Freelance Audio Editing involves independently editing audio files for various media, often remotely and on a project basis. An Audio Engineer typically works in professional studio or live settings, with more formal credentials. Both roles require a strong understanding of audio software, but their work environments and employment types differ significantly.

More about Freelance Audio Editing jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Editing jobs in California? The most popular types of Audio Editing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Audio Editing jobs in California? For Freelance Audio Editing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Audio Editing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Audio Editing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Audio Editing jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Audio Editing job openings:
Freelance Audio Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Audio Editing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,821 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Freelance Recording Engineer / Dialogue Editor

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Freelance Recording Engineer / Dialogue Editor to support AAA video game and linear content production on an as-needed basis. This is an in-person production role embedded within our Santa Monica facility.

The engineer will record, edit, mix, and deliver high-quality audio across multiple active projects, including AAA video games, animated series, advertising campaigns, and marketing content. This role requires technical excellence, calm professionalism with talent and clients in the room, and the ability to manage large volumes of assets across concurrent productions.

This position operates within a fast-paced, high-expectation creative environment where precision, organization, and delivery discipline are critical.

Key Responsibilities

Dialogue Recording & Editorial

  • Record voice talent to broadcast and AAA game standards
  • Engineer client-attended sessions with producers, directors, and executives present
  • Perform detailed dialogue editing, cleanup, conforming, and file prep to technical specifications
  • Ensure tonal consistency across large narrative projects

Mixing & Finishing

  • Mix linear television, advertising, and marketing content
  • Prepare stems and final deliverables to spec for broadcast, streaming, and digital distribution
  • Maintain technical QC standards and meet technical delivery standards

Game Production Support

  • Edit and prepare dialogue assets for interactive implementation
  • Manage large asset counts with strict naming conventions and version control
  • Collaborate with sound design, implementation, and production teams
  • Deliver clean, organized, implementation-ready files

Motion Capture/Sound Stage Recording

  • Record dialogue and production audio on motion capture stages
  • Manage multi-channel wireless microphone workflows
  • Manage RF signal chains in challenging environments
  • Manage gain stages to the highest standards
  • Provide live mixes to relevant stakeholders as needed
  • Coordinate with stage technicians, capture supervisors, and production teams
  • Ensure sync integrity at all times

Operational Discipline

  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously with shifting priorities
  • Maintain impeccable session organization and documentation
  • Hit delivery deadlines without compromising technical quality
  • Troubleshoot technical issues independently and efficiently

Required Experience & Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience as an audio engineer
  • Extensive experience recording with clients and talent in the room
  • Proven expertise editing dialogue at a high narrative and technical level
  • Strong mixing experience for linear television and advertising
  • Deep familiarity with broadcast and streaming delivery specifications
  • Experience recording on motion capture stages
  • Proficiency with industry-standard wireless microphone systems
  • Advanced Pro Tools proficiency and session management discipline
  • Demonstrated ability to manage large asset libraries and complex session workflows
  • Strong communication skills and calm, client-facing professionalism

Technical Competencies

  • Dialogue cleanup, restoration, and precision editing
  • Loudness standards compliance (broadcast and streaming)
  • Stem printing and versioning workflows
  • Multi-mic wireless coordination and RF management
  • Sync workflows for performance capture environments
  • Asset naming, metadata tagging, and delivery packaging

Personal Attributes

  • Meticulous and detail-oriented
  • Composed under pressure
  • Efficient without sacrificing craft
  • Organized across multiple concurrent productions
  • Collaborative and production-minded

Work Environment

  • On-site only in Santa Monica, CA
  • Embedded within a AAA production pipeline
  • Client-attended sessions are frequent
  • High confidentiality environment

Apply