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Freelance Audio Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fox News Media

Freelance Audio Operator/A1

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$44 - $56.25/hr

The Freelance Audio Operator will provide technical operational support for our studio and control room teams. You must have experience operating an audio console for both live and recorded ...

New

Fox

Freelance Audio Operator/A1

New York, NY · On-site

The Freelance Audio Operator will provide technical operational support for our studio and control room teams. You must have experience operating an audio console for both live and recorded ...

Fox

Lead Audio Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$35.50 - $50/hr

Mentor and support junior audio operators and freelance staff * Maintain high standards for audio quality across all live programming WHAT YOU WILL NEED * Experience mixing audio for live television ...

Blue Danube Productions

$30 - $60/hr

Description Freelance A/V Technician - Los Angeles In this role you will be responsible for ... Work with COO to ensure client partnership continues to grow * Attendance at BDP team meetings as ...

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Freelance Audio Operator information

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$5

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$54

How much do freelance audio operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance audio operator in the United States is $33.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $53.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance audio operator?

Freelance audio operators are professionals who manage and control sound for various live events, broadcasts, recordings, or productions on a contract or per-project basis rather than as full-time employees. Their responsibilities typically include setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment, mixing sound levels, and ensuring high-quality audio output. Freelance audio operators may work in diverse settings such as concerts, film sets, television studios, or corporate events, often adapting to different teams and technical requirements for each job. Because they are freelancers, they have the flexibility to choose their projects and clients, but they are also responsible for their own scheduling, invoicing, and business development.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance audio operator?

To thrive as a Freelance Audio Operator, you need a solid grasp of audio engineering principles, sound mixing, and equipment setup, often supported by experience or relevant audio production coursework. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), mixing consoles, microphones, and audio editing software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help you adapt to varying client needs and collaborate effectively on projects. These skills ensure high-quality audio output and reliable service, which are crucial for building a strong reputation and securing ongoing freelance work.

What are some common challenges freelance audio operators face when working on live events?

Freelance audio operators often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different venues with varying acoustics and equipment, troubleshooting unexpected technical issues under tight time constraints, and coordinating effectively with event producers and other technical staff. Since every event is unique, being able to remain flexible and maintain clear communication is essential. Additionally, freelancers must manage their own schedules and client relationships, which requires strong organizational and networking skills to ensure a steady flow of projects.

What is the difference between Freelance Audio Operator vs Audio Technician?

AspectFreelance Audio OperatorAudio Technician
CredentialsOften no formal certification required, but audio training preferredTypically requires technical certifications or degrees in audio engineering
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, live concerts, film sets, freelance projectsRecording studios, broadcast stations, production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSelf-employed or contracted for specific events or projectsEmployed by companies, studios, or broadcasters
Common Search & ComparisonYes, often compared for freelance vs technical rolesYes, as a related technical role in audio production

In summary, Freelance Audio Operators typically work independently on live events and projects without formal certifications, focusing on event-based audio tasks. Audio Technicians usually have formal training and work within studios or broadcast environments, often employed full-time. Both roles require strong audio skills but differ mainly in work setting and employment structure.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Audio Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Audio Operator job openings:

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

The most popular types of Audio Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Audio Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Audio Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Audio Operator jobs?

For Freelance Audio Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Freelance Audio Operator jobs near you

Freelance Audio Operator/A1

New York, NY • On-site

FOX News Network, LLC
Technology, Communication and Media • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about FOX News Network, LLCexternal

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Fox News rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Fox News Media
FOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer digital streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International and the newly announced platform FOX Weather. Currently the number one network in all of cable, FNC has also been the most watched television news channel for 20 consecutive years, while FBN currently ranks among the top business channels on cable. Owned by FOX Corporation, FOX News Media reaches 200 million people each month.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Fox News Media is seeking a skilled Freelance Audio Operator to join our NY Bureau. The Freelance Audio Operator will provide technical operational support for our studio and control room teams. You must have experience operating an audio console for both live and recorded programming.
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operate audio board for live newscasts and productions
  • Maintain studio audio equipment
  • Manage audio for live and taped broadcasts, including mic sources and IFBs
  • Work with technical staff to satisfy production needs for live and pre-recorded programming
  • Perform facility checks with A2 and stage manager for all mic and IFB positions in the studio before daily production begins, including studio setup
  • Other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU WILL NEED
  • A Bachelor's degree in television production is preferred, or equivalent experience
  • Experience working in a TV studio environment
  • Proficient in building and executing of effects and shows on the Calrec Sigma, Artemis, Lawo, and SSL System T consoles
  • Front Of House and PA mixing knowledge is beneficial.
  • Strong knowledge of audio patch bays, Hydra BSP, Lawo Powercore, VSM router, signal flow, Enco playout system, and the ability to troubleshoot during live productions
  • Must be able to work in a control room for at least 2 hours without a break
  • Excellent communication skills required
  • Must be a team player who works well with others in a fast-paced dynamic studio environment
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Must be available to work flexible, non-traditional hours including weekends and holidays, evening and morning shifts.

#LI-AA1
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $44.00-56.25 per hour.

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