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Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audio Engineer (Part-Time)

Chicago, IL

$33.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Bachelor's degree, plus two years' experience of running equipment and live sound, or equivalent ... Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $23.16 Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $33.33 The salary range provided ...

Audio Engineer (Part-Time)

Chicago, IL

$33.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Bachelor's degree, plus two years' experience of running equipment and live sound, or equivalent ... Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $23.16 Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $33.33 The salary range provided ...

Sound Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29/hr

The AV Engineer is responsible for managing and executing all audio components for live ... 29 Hourly pay, with eligibility for overtime * Employee discounts and other perks Parker ...

Audio Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$149K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The Audio Engineer is a hands on technical leadership role responsible for delivering premium live ... Maintain and operate theater and remote production sound systems. Support immersive and spatial ...

Serve as primary audio console operator for music performances and events at ACL Live at The Moody ... desired sound. * Fulfill audio support needs for musicians, in-house audience, and audio ...

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Live Events Technical Director and Audio Engineer The Buckley School, Los Angeles' oldest K-12 ... Supervise and configure systems for live streaming, multi-camera events, and sound reinforcement as ...

Showing results 21-40

Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineer information

See salary details

$29.5K

$84.5K

$171.5K

How much do hourly live sound audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly live sound audio engineer in the United States is $84,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly live sound audio engineer?

To excel as an Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineer, you need solid knowledge of audio signal flow, acoustics, and live mixing techniques, often supported by experience or relevant certifications. Proficiency with digital and analog mixing consoles, wireless microphone systems, and audio processing software is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability help you manage live event challenges and collaborate with performers and production teams. These skills ensure high-quality sound delivery, minimize technical issues, and create a seamless live experience for both artists and audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly live sound audio engineers during events?

Hourly live sound audio engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar venues, addressing last-minute technical issues, and managing quick equipment setups or teardowns. They must be able to troubleshoot audio problems on the fly, communicate effectively with performers and event staff, and maintain high sound quality under time constraints. Success in this role often depends on flexibility, technical expertise, and strong problem-solving skills, especially when working with diverse teams and various types of live events.

What is an hourly live sound audio engineer?

Hourly live sound audio engineers are professionals who manage and operate audio equipment during live events, such as concerts, theater productions, or conferences. They are responsible for setting up microphones, speakers, mixing consoles, and ensuring that sound levels are balanced and clear for both performers and audiences. These engineers often work on an hourly basis and must adapt quickly to different venues and setups. Their expertise ensures high-quality sound experiences and smooth technical operations during live performances.

What is the difference between Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineer vs Freelance Sound Technician?

AspectHourly Live Sound Audio EngineerFreelance Sound Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering certification or equivalent experienceVaries; often self-taught or informal training
Work EnvironmentConcerts, festivals, live eventsVarious settings including events, studio, or installations
Employer/Industry UsageEvent production companies, venues, touring companiesMultiple clients across industries, flexible engagements
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding job roles, pay, and responsibilitiesSeeking freelance opportunities or understanding differences

Both roles involve live sound setup and operation, but Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineers typically work for a single employer or event, often with scheduled shifts and specific certifications. Freelance Sound Technicians usually work independently, handling multiple clients and diverse projects, with less formal certification requirements. The choice depends on your preferred work environment and career goals.

What cities are hiring for Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Live Sound Audio Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Live Sound Audio Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hourly Live Sound Audio Engineer jobs include:

$33.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a(an) AUDIO ENGINEER (Part-Time).

Under the direction of the Music Department's Technical Director, the Audio Engineer position is responsible for providing the audio support for afternoon, evening, and weekend classes and events scheduled in Music Department facilities, including the Concert Hall, the Sherwood Recital, and classrooms.

This is a part-time position at 18-hour max (not to exceed 950 hours per calendar year), three days per week position with a schedule of M-W F, 4-10 pm or TTh 3:30-10 pm and Sat 10-5 pm.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILTIES

  • Responsible for all aspects of live performances, including setup and teardown, monitors, front of house, projections, live operation, lighting, and involving audio systems, amplifiers, keyboards, microphones, mixers, video cameras, and switchers.

  • Responsible for all aspects of performance recordings, including setup, teardown, Logic multi-track backup, recorded video & audio, editing, mastering, and publishing concerts to Music Department YouTube channel and to shared student folders.

  • Responsible for all aspects of tracking and recording video and audio of non-performance tracking sessions. This includes setup, teardown, tracking, and backing up all video and audio recorded in the sessions.

  • Responsible for resetting Ensemble rooms after 9:00 pm to be ready for morning classes.

  • Oversee Music Center video monitor broadcasts of Logo, notices, future events and removing dated material.

  • Schedule and oversee volunteer concert hall tech crews, as needed.

  • Approve space requests for ensemble rooms.

  • Oversee work study students.

  • Inventories and tagging of new equipment.

  • Prep backstage gear for bands performing on outside events.

  • Maintain daily concert hall reports related to concert setup, operation, volume levels, striking, volunteer involvement, skill levels, areas of improvement and equipment location and condition.

  • Maintain an organized and clean workspace at all times.

  • May provide audio support for college-wide events like Convocation, Manifest, Columbia Weekend, etc., including setup and teardown, monitors, front of house, projections, live operation, lighting, and involving audio systems, amplifiers, keyboards, microphones, mixers, video cameras, and switchers.

  • Oversee the recording archive process which includes saving video/audio performances to external hard drives, labeling drives and creating and maintaining a FileMaker Pro database for easy access.

  • Assist with classroom and Concert Hall's equipment and technical needs.

  • Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

  • Bachelor's degree, plus two years' experience of running equipment and live sound, or equivalent combination of education, certification, experience, and/or training.

  • Ability to work a varied schedule when needed.

  • Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

  • Ability to work with diverse individuals in a positive and constructive manner while appreciating the unique contributions of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and social identities.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $23.16

Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $33.33

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Position subject to a background screening

  • This is a union position

  • This is a part-time position

  • This position is overtime ineligible

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.