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Independent Contractor Audio Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Buckley School

$96K - $120K/yr

... contractors as necessary. * Reduce reliance on outside production firms by building in-house ... An independent, gender-inclusive day school for students in kindergarten through grade 12 ...

Kavaliro

Senior Audio Engineer

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

Senior Audio Engineer Location: Sunrise, FL Overview A growing technology organization is seeking a ... Comfortable working both independently and in team-based environments * Proficiency with Microsoft ...

The Buckley School

$41 - $50/hr

... contractors as necessary.Reduce reliance on outside production firms by building in-house ... An independent, gender-inclusive day school for students in kindergarten through grade 12 ...

Seattle Rep

Head Audio Engineer - Leo K

Seattle, WA

$35.63/hr

The Head Audio Engineer may also provide additional support to the other positions on the stage ... A demonstrated ability to work effectively as a leader, independently, and as a member of a team ...

Qualcomm

Sr. Staff Audio Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

The engineer works independently, influences key technical decisions, and leads cross-functional efforts to deliver high-quality audio experiences for mobile, automotive, or IoT platforms.

Seattle Rep

Head Audio Engineer - Leo K

Seattle, WA · On-site

$35.63/hr

The Head Audio Engineer may also provide additional support to the other positions on the stage ... A demonstrated ability to work effectively as a leader, independently, and as a member of a team ...

Seattle Rep

Head Audio Engineer - Leo K

Seattle, WA

$35.63/hr

The Head Audio Engineer may also provide additional support to the other positions on the stage ... A demonstrated ability to work effectively as a leader, independently, and as a member of a team ...

Meta

Audio Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$144K/yr

Meta's Hardware Audio Team is hiring an Audio Systems Engineer to help develop, ship, and optimize ... Experience independently driving audio workstreams in a dynamic cross-functional environment, from ...

Meta

Audio Systems Engineer

Redmond, WA

$144K/yr

Meta's Hardware Audio Team is hiring an Audio Systems Engineer to help develop, ship, and optimize ... Experience independently driving audio workstreams in a dynamic cross-functional environment, from ...

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How much do independent contractor audio engineer jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average weekly pay for independent contractor audio engineer in the United States is $1,089.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $721.15 and $1,211.54 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor audio engineer?

Independent Contractor Audio Engineers are self-employed professionals who provide audio engineering services on a contractual basis, rather than as full-time employees. They typically work on projects such as music recording, live sound, post-production, podcasts, and film audio. These engineers are responsible for setting up and operating audio equipment, mixing and editing sound, and ensuring high-quality audio output. As independent contractors, they manage their own schedules, negotiate fees, and may work with multiple clients simultaneously.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor audio engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Audio Engineer, you need expertise in sound recording, mixing, mastering, and a solid understanding of acoustics, often supported by a degree or professional experience in audio engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and knowledge of audio equipment is essential, and certifications such as Avid Pro Tools certification can be beneficial. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you work effectively with clients and manage multiple projects independently. These skills ensure high-quality audio production, client satisfaction, and the ability to adapt to different project requirements in a competitive freelance environment.

How does working as an independent contractor audio engineer differ from being a staff engineer in terms of project management and collaboration?

As an independent contractor audio engineer, you are typically responsible for managing your own schedule, client communications, and project deliverables, which requires strong organizational skills and self-motivation. Unlike staff engineers who may work within a fixed team, contractors often collaborate with a diverse range of clients and creative professionals on a project-by-project basis. This means adapting quickly to different workflows and expectations, and often handling multiple projects simultaneously. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships is key to securing repeat business and referrals.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Audio Engineer vs Freelance Audio Technician?

AspectIndependent Contractor Audio EngineerFreelance Audio Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering certifications, experience in mixing, recording, masteringTechnical audio certifications, equipment operation skills
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live venues, post-production facilitiesConcerts, events, studio setups
Employer/Industry UsageHired by production companies, studios, event organizersContracted for specific events or projects, often freelance

Both roles involve technical audio skills, but Independent Contractor Audio Engineers typically handle a broader range of tasks like mixing and mastering, often working on longer-term projects. Freelance Audio Technicians focus more on technical setup and equipment operation for live events or recordings. The choice depends on your specialization and preferred work environment.

More about Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Audio Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Audio Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs are:
Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Audio Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,645 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Live Events Technical Director and Audio Engineer

The Buckley School

On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Buckley School is a dynamic, nurturing learning community committed to equity and inclusion, and as such, seeks to hire talented employees with diverse backgrounds.
Live Events Technical Director and Audio Engineer
The Buckley School, Los Angeles' oldest K-12 gender-inclusive learning institution, has an opening for a Live Events Technical Director and Audio Engineer. This position leads and executes the technical production of school-wide live events across campus venues, with full ownership of all related audio-visual (AV) and theatrical systems. With experience in audio engineering, theatrical lighting, and event operations, this role supports high-caliber production needs across all departments-including performing arts, admissions, advancement, athletics, student life, and administration-ensuring the professional execution of performances, assemblies, and community gatherings.
In addition to providing technical production leadership, this position manages AV systems and performance spaces in key venues, mentors students in the craft of live production and technical theater and maximizes the use of in-house systems and resources. The role combines technical experience, creative judgment, and collaborative event execution, contributing to the school's mission of fostering curiosity, creativity, and innovation across disciplines.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Live Event Production & Technical Direction
  • Serve as lead A1 audio engineer for school-wide events including concerts, theatre productions, ceremonies, panel discussions, and assemblies. This role also includes supervising, performing, and instructing others in the duties of an A2 audio assistant.
  • Coordinate, plan, and execute technical live production logistics including setup, rehearsal support, and live operation of AV systems (audio, video, lighting).
  • Maintain the readiness of performance spaces - particularly the flagship CCA theater - coordinating with Plant Operations and other departments to always ensure a functional and presentable space for users and visitors (e.g., drop-in Admission tours by prospective families).
  • Collaborate with event organizers and department stakeholders to elevate aesthetic, functional, and technical requirements for diverse event types.
  • Optimize use of school event spaces and their production capabilities to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences for presenters, performers, and audiences.
  • Supervise and configure systems for live streaming, multi-camera events, and sound reinforcement as needed.

Equipment Ownership & Venue Support
  • Maintain full ownership and oversight of theatrical and AV-related systems and equipment in:
    • Center for Community and the Arts (CCA)
    • Disney Pavilion Gym
    • Blackbox Theater (A105)
    • Other ad hoc spaces as needed
  • Maintain and program theatrical lighting systems and associated control equipment.
  • Organize and track all technical assets related to AV, theatrical production, and live events; ensure preventative maintenance and readiness.
  • Identify needs for upgrades, repairs, or replacements and coordinate work with vendors and contractors as necessary.
  • Reduce reliance on outside production firms by building in-house capabilities.

Student Mentorship & Educational Integration
  • Mentor students in the technical aspects of live production and technical theater in the areas of audio, lighting, and backstage operations.
  • Provide structured hands-on experiences via theater class drop-ins, tech crews, performance preparation, and after-school activities.
  • Encourage interdisciplinary learning and help students build confidence in using and performing in and with the school's performance venues and equipment.
  • Create opportunities for faculty and students to practice and experiment in event spaces during scheduled downtime to better prepare them for performances in spaces that differ significantly from classrooms in audience size, acoustics, equipment, and overall feel.
  • Train performing arts faculty on basic use of the theatrical lighting system in the Black Box Theater for theater classes, read-arounds, auditions, and rehearsals.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration
  • Provide AV and technical production support to all departments as needed, including Advancement, Admissions, Athletics, Student Life, and others.
  • Coordinate with Plant Operations and Technology teams where event support needs intersect (e.g., power, network access, room resets).
  • As a subject matter expert in audio, advise on other campus implementations of audio / pro-audio equipment as needed
  • Support the school's mission and brand by ensuring events are technically polished and professionally presented.
  • Provide support to the Technology Department on special projects or operational tasks, as needed.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
  • Degree or certificate in technical theatre, live event production, audio engineering, or related field.
  • 3-5+ years of experience as a technical lead for performing arts and live events, including live sound engineering, theatrical lighting, technical direction, and/or venue management.
  • Prior experience in K-12, higher education, or similar educational environments preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring or leading students in technical theatre or production roles is strongly preferred.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
  • Expert knowledge of audio systems and front-of-house (FOH) sound mixing for live performances.
  • Proficiency with lighting systems (ETC, DMX), QLab, projection systems, and scenic support.
  • Comfortable managing and maintaining a wide range of professional AV platforms and equipment, including but not limited to Crestron, QSC, Shure, Sennheiser, Meyer Sound, Yamaha, ETC, Zoom (video conferencing), and Blackmagic Design.
  • Excellent troubleshooting and improvisational skills under live conditions.
  • Strong organizational ability for asset tracking, documentation, and scheduling.
  • Commitment to safety protocols and best practices in live event and theatrical environments.
  • Ability to lift and move heavy equipment up to 50 pounds and work in elevated spaces as required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations, including students, parents, and faculty/staff.
  • Good organizational skills- paperwork, patching, computer work, notes, remembering details.
  • First Aid. (First Aid and CPR certification required.)
  • Models the highest standards of professionalism, with an emphasis on maintaining confidentiality and Models the highest standards of professionalism, with an emphasis on maintaining confidentiality and supporting team-oriented work-ethic, and creates warm, uplifting and trusting working relationships marked by humor, positivity, humility, empathy, excellent emotional intelligence, extraordinary interpersonal skills, and collaboration.
  • Demonstrates great individual integrity, initiative, self-awareness, commitment to personal and professional growth, and the ability to receive and apply feedback.
  • Possesses a passion for education, particularly in an independent school environment conveyed by a solid understanding of educational practice.
  • Knowledge of and demonstrated competency in diversity, equity and inclusion; demonstrated success working with diverse populations.
  • Demonstrates adaptability, dependability, good judgment, strong social skills, impressive communication and presentation skills in writing and speaking, and the abilities to read, assess, imagine, evaluate, calculate, & make wise decisions.
  • Thinks and acts strategically and creatively.
  • Flexibility to work long hours, including nights and weekends to attend School events.
  • Ability to drive a car.

COMPENSATION
$41.00 - $50.00 per hour ($96,000 - $120,000 annualized, which includes expected overtime pay).
The base salary is separate from fringe benefits, such as retirement contributions, daily lunch, on-site parking, contributions to medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D plans, our generous time off policy, or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Our pay ranges are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at The Buckley School, your actual base salary will be determined by your education and experience.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should visit:
Please note that you must upload your resume AND cover letter to be considered for the position. Incomplete applications will not move forward in the hiring process.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
The Buckley School proudly carries on the mission of its founder, Dr. Isabelle Buckley, who in 1933 set out to provide students with an education characterized not only by academic excellence, but also a sense of self-esteem, responsibility, and character. An independent, gender-inclusive day school for students in kindergarten through grade 12, providing students with a program based on critical thinking, creative self-expression through arts, physical development, and moral education lies at the heart of Buckley's ethos.
At The Buckley School, faculty and staff believe in their students, see their capacity for growth, and nurture their ability to create and evaluate. Students are honored for their diverse backgrounds and admired for their ability to lead with empathy and courage. Inspired by its mission, the Portrait of a Graduate, Dr. Buckley's Four-Fold Plan - education with equal emphasis on Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Moral Education - and the Buckley Commitment of Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, Kindness, Self-Reliance, and Self-Discipline, faculty uplift students, partner with parents, and build community every day.

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