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Live Audio Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Musco Sports Lighting

Senior Audio Engineer

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Senior Audio Engineer The Musco Product Development Engineering Team has an opening for a Senior ... Ability to work safely in office, lab, manufacturing, construction, installation, and live-event ...

Musco Sports Lighting

Senior Audio Engineer

Oskaloosa, IA

$98K - $134K/yr

Senior Audio Engineer The Musco Product Development Engineering Team has an opening for a Senior ... Ability to work safely in office, lab, manufacturing, construction, installation, and live-event ...

Musco Sports Lighting

Senior Audio Engineer

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Senior Audio Engineer The Musco Product Development Engineering Team has an opening for a Senior ... Ability to work safely in office, lab, manufacturing, construction, installation, and live-event ...

iHeartMedia, Inc.

Board Operator

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

The audio revolution is here - and iHeart is leading it! iHeartMedia, the number one audio company ... during live and pre-recorded shows. * Monitor on-air programming for quality, timing, and ...

iHeartMedia

Board Operator

Cedar Rapids, IA

The audio revolution is here - and iHeart is leading it! iHeartMedia, the number one audio company ... during live and pre-recorded shows. * Monitor on-air programming for quality, timing, and ...

iHeartMedia

Account Executive

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

The audio revolution is here - and iHeart is leading it! iHeartMedia, the number one audio company ... We create and produce some of the most popular and well-known branded live music events in America ...

iHeartMedia

Outside Account Executive

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

The audio revolution is here - and iHeart is leading it! iHeartMedia, the number one audio company ... We create and produce some of the most popular and well-known branded live music events in America ...

iHeartMedia

Outside Sales, Sioux City

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

The audio revolution is here - and iHeart is leading it! iHeartMedia, the number one audio company ... We create and produce some of the most popular and well-known branded live music events in America ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLive Audio Engineer JobsLive Audio Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Live Audio Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$27.7K

$79.3K

$161.1K

How much do live audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for live audio engineer in Iowa is $79,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a live audio engineer do?

A live audio engineer or sound technician handles sound and music responsibilities related to live broadcasting on TV or radio. You work with the mechanical and technical aspects of audio while using computers, software, and specialized equipment like a mixing board and various A/V applications. Your duties involve recording, reproducing, and blending sounds, as well as collaborating with record producers to line up visual aspects with audio. You set up soundboards, test systems, and ensure the level of sound and mix is correct. A live audio engineer can also work in theater or at a live event.

What does a live audio engineer do?

A Live Audio Engineer is responsible for managing and controlling the sound during live events such as concerts, theater performances, and conferences. They set up, operate, and adjust audio equipment to ensure clear and balanced sound for both performers and audiences. This includes tasks like mixing audio levels, troubleshooting technical issues, and sometimes recording live performances. Their goal is to deliver the best possible sound quality in real time, adapting quickly to any changes or challenges during the event.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live audio engineer?

To thrive as a Live Audio Engineer, you need expertise in sound mixing, signal flow, and audio equipment setup, often supported by a degree in audio engineering or related certifications. Familiarity with digital and analog mixing consoles, wireless systems, and software like Pro Tools or QLab is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with performers and event staff. These skills ensure high-quality sound delivery and seamless live event experiences under pressure.

What are some common challenges faced by live audio engineers during live events, and how can they be managed?

Live audio engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected feedback, equipment malfunctions, and rapidly changing sound requirements during performances. To manage these, it's important to conduct thorough sound checks, maintain clear communication with performers and technical teams, and stay adaptable to on-the-fly adjustments. Being proactive in troubleshooting and having backup equipment readily accessible can help ensure smooth operation and minimize disruptions during the event.

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

AspectLive Audio EngineerSound Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering certification or equivalent experienceAudio or technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentConcerts, live events, festivalsRecording studios, broadcast, events
Job FocusMixing and managing live sound during eventsSetting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting audio equipment

While both roles involve audio setup and equipment, a Live Audio Engineer primarily focuses on mixing and managing sound during live events, ensuring optimal audio quality. A Sound Technician handles equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting, often in studio or broadcast settings. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their focus on live sound management versus technical support and equipment maintenance.

Are live audio engineers in demand?

Live audio engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for sound reinforcement at concerts, events, and live productions. The profession requires technical skills, familiarity with audio equipment, and adaptability to different environments, which sustain employment opportunities in the entertainment and event industries.

How much do live audio engineers make?

Live audio engineers typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location, and the scale of events. Freelance engineers may have variable income based on the number and type of gigs they secure, while those working full-time for organizations often receive benefits and steady pay. Skills in mixing consoles, sound systems, and certifications can influence earning potential.

How to get a job as a live audio engineer?

To become a live audio engineer, gain experience through internships or entry-level positions, develop skills in audio mixing and troubleshooting, and become proficient with industry-standard equipment and software. Obtaining relevant certifications and building a network within the live event industry can also improve job prospects.
More about Live Audio Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Live Audio Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Live Audio Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Live Audio Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Live Audio Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Live Audio Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Live Audio Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,326 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Senior Audio Engineer

Musco Sports Lighting

Oskaloosa, IA โ€ข On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Senior Audio Engineer
The Musco Product Development Engineering Team has an opening for a Senior Audio Engineer in Oskaloosa, IA. The Senior Audio Engineer designs, develops, tests, and optimizes professional audio systems and technologies that support Musco's entertainment, sports, and large-venue solutions. This role provides technical leadership in audio system design, acoustic performance, product innovation, and system integration to ensure high-quality sound solutions that meet customer expectations, operational requirements, and company objectives. If your experience aligns with the qualifications outlined below, we look forward to hearing from you!
Hear why we are #TeamMusco
Essential Criteria:
  • Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Physics, or a related technical field required.
  • Master's degree in Acoustics, Audio Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in professional audio system design, acoustics, signal processing, or related engineering roles.
  • Experience with large-venue, stadium, arena, entertainment, or commercial audio systems preferred.
  • Experience using acoustic modeling and audio analysis software such as EASE, SMAART, Soundvision, ArrayCalc, or similar tools.
  • Professional certifications from AVIXA, SynAudCon, Dante, or related organizations preferred.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex audio, acoustical, and system-integration issues.
  • Ability to lead technical projects, make sound engineering recommendations, and influence decisions across cross-functional teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail, quality, safety, and customer experience.
  • Proficiency with audio measurement, modeling, tuning, networking, and optimization tools.
  • Knowledge of networked audio technologies, digital audio transport protocols, professional audio standards, and control systems.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, customers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and external partners.
  • Strong project planning, organizational, documentation, and continuous-improvement skills.
  • Continuous learning mindset with a focus on innovation, technical excellence, and practical customer-focused solutions.

Other Special Requirements:
  • Occasional travel to customer sites, venues, manufacturing facilities, and industry events may be required, up to 25% of the time.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends during commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, or project deadlines.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
  • Familiarity with professional audio standards, applicable codes, construction-site practices, and industry best practices.
  • Ability to work safely in office, lab, manufacturing, construction, installation, and live-event environments when necessary.

Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design, development, and validation of professional audio systems, loudspeaker configurations, signal processing solutions, and related technologies.
  • Perform acoustic modeling, sound-system analysis, coverage studies, and performance optimization for sports venues, entertainment facilities, and other customer applications.
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, product, and project teams to develop integrated audio solutions that align with customer needs and business objectives.
  • Develop testing procedures and evaluate prototypes to ensure compliance with performance, safety, reliability, and quality requirements.
  • Analyze field performance data, installation feedback, and customer input to identify opportunities for continuous product and process improvement.
  • Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring to engineers, sales, technicians and cross-functional project teams.
  • Support installation, commissioning, tuning, and troubleshooting activities for complex audio deployments and customer projects.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, specifications, design standards, test reports, and engineering records.
  • Evaluate emerging audio technologies, industry trends, and competitive products to support innovation initiatives.
  • Interface with customers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to provide technical expertise and ensure successful project execution.

Who is Musco:
For more than 50 years, Musco has specialized in sports and large-area lighting and technology, providing innovative solutions for projects in more than 135 countries. Headquartered in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Musco has more than 2,100 team members worldwide. Musco was named an Iowa Top Workplace by The Des Moines Register (2023๏ฟฝ2025) and a USA TODAY Top Workplace (2025๏ฟฝ2026). Learn more at www.musco.com .
Team Culture and Partnerships:
At Musco, we offer meaningful work in a team-first culture with continuous learning and professional development. We value work-life balance, providing flexibility for community involvement, family activities, and personal time. We have a generous benefit package created with the Team in mind. It includes varying health insurance plans, vision and dental insurance, PTO, 401k, profit sharing, and more!
As supporters of recreational organizations, we help ensure safer and more enjoyable playing experiences worldwide. If giving back resonates with you, learn more about our partnerships .
At Musco , we make it happen and want you to be a part of it.
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