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Game Audio Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Principal Sound Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... audio team to craft and implement exceptional sound design. This role is crucial in support of defining an iconic soundscape for our unique and innovative open world game. As a Principal, your ...

Anthro SoCal

Audio Lead

Ontario, CA · On-site

... gaming, and social connection. Our success depends on the dedication and enthusiasm of our ... This critical leadership role is responsible for the technical design, deployment, tuning, and ...

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All JobsGame Audio Design JobsGame Audio Design Jobs in California

Game Audio Design information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$154K

How much do game audio design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for game audio design in California is $147,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,000.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game audio design?

Game audio design is the process of creating, editing, and implementing sound elements in video games, including music, sound effects, ambient sounds, and dialogue. Game audio designers work closely with game developers to ensure that the audio enhances gameplay, storytelling, and immersion. This role involves both creative and technical skills, such as composing music, recording sounds, editing audio files, and integrating audio into game engines. Effective game audio design helps set the mood, convey information to players, and bring virtual worlds to life.

How does a game audio designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

Game audio designers work closely with game developers, artists, and narrative teams to ensure that sound elements integrate seamlessly with gameplay, visuals, and storytelling. Collaboration often involves attending planning meetings, reviewing builds, and providing feedback on how audio can enhance player experience. Designers also coordinate with programmers to implement audio middleware and troubleshoot technical issues. This cross-department teamwork is essential for creating immersive, cohesive audio experiences that support the game's vision.

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

To thrive as a Game Audio Designer, you need a solid background in audio engineering, sound design, and music composition, often supported by a degree in audio production or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), middleware like FMOD or Wwise, and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is typically required. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help set you apart in this role. These skills ensure immersive soundscapes that enhance gameplay and player experience, making audio a vital part of game development.

What is the difference between Game Audio Design vs Sound Designer?

AspectGame Audio DesignSound Designer
CredentialsAudio production, music, sound engineeringAudio production, sound engineering, sometimes music
Work EnvironmentVideo game studios, interactive mediaFilm, TV, advertising, gaming
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming industryBroader media industry including gaming

Game Audio Design focuses on creating soundscapes, effects, and music specifically for video games, often involving interactive and adaptive audio. Sound Designers work across various media, including film and TV, but also create sound effects and audio assets. While both roles require similar skills and credentials, Game Audio Design is specialized for interactive media, whereas Sound Design spans multiple entertainment sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Game Audio Design jobs in California?

For Game Audio Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Audio Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Audio Design jobs in California are:

Game Audio Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Audio Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,165 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Core Audio Software Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 680 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you could do at Apple! Everyday, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Do you bring passion and dedication to your job? If so, we are looking for individuals like you. The Media, Graphics & Compute Tech (MGCT) group is at the center of audio, video, and graphics in Apple's innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, Apple TV and VisionPro.
MGCT's Audio team provides the audio foundation for various high profile features like Game Audio, Siri, FaceTime, media capture, playback and API's for third party developers to enrich our platforms. The team is looking for talented engineers who are passionate about building audio features and products for millions of customers and care about overall user experience. You will revolutionize the audio experience for game and future audio technologies.
Description
As a Core Audio System Software engineer, you'll be responsible for developing and debugging audio system software for all of Apple's platforms. Audio software stack on Apple devices has a considerable complexity and a rich feature set in the way that audio is routed through the system and integrates various hardware pieces. You will work across the full spectrum of media experiences and audio experiences - from FaceTime calls and Siri interactions to media playback - across a wide range of connected accessories including Bluetooth (AirPods, third-party headphones), CarPlay, and USB audio devices. The position will involve developing and improving the software components that are responsible for both running the audio hardware and exposing audio features and capabilities upwards through the system. The work involves close collaboration with hardware driver teams and various Apple technologies including Siri, AirPods, FaceTime and AirPlay.
Minimum Qualifications
Excellent software design/programming skills in C++
Solid understanding of object-oriented methodologies, multi-threaded programming and operating systems concepts
Experience with digital audio programming and solid debugging skills
At least two+ years of experience working with a team and software company, highlighting their ability to collaborate and operate within a professional software development environment.
BS or MS in CS, EE, or related degree
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with Bluetooth accessories is a plus
Experience working with embedded audio in devices like smartphones (Samsung, Pixel), tablets, or Chromebooks would be a plus
Experience with core SW features like Telephony audio and/or Bluetooth audio in a plus

What Apple employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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