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Live Sound Engineer Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Live Sound Engineer information

What is a live sound engineer?

Live sound engineers are audio professionals responsible for managing and controlling sound during live events such as concerts, theater performances, and conferences. They set up, operate, and maintain the sound equipment to ensure clear and balanced audio for both the audience and performers. Their duties often include mixing audio in real time, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating closely with artists and event staff. Live sound engineers play a crucial role in creating a high-quality audio experience at live venues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live sound engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live Sound Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio engineering principles, acoustics, and signal flow, often supported by a degree or certification in audio technology. Familiarity with mixing consoles, digital audio workstations (DAWs), microphones, and sound system setup is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication, and the capacity to work under pressure help you adapt to the fast-paced, dynamic environment of live events. These skills ensure high-quality sound delivery, smooth event execution, and effective collaboration with performers and technical crews.

What are the common challenges a live sound engineer faces during live events, and how can they be addressed?

Live Sound Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected technical issues, acoustical problems in varying venues, and last-minute changes to performer requirements. To handle these situations effectively, it's important to stay adaptable, conduct thorough sound checks, and maintain open communication with performers and event staff. Having backup equipment and a well-organized workflow can also help ensure smooth operations and quick troubleshooting during live events.

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

AspectLive Sound EngineerAudio Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering certifications, technical trainingTechnical certifications, equipment operation training
Work EnvironmentConcerts, live events, festivalsRecording studios, broadcast stations, live events
Job FocusMixing sound during live performancesInstalling, maintaining, and troubleshooting audio equipment
Industry UsageMusic, entertainment, eventsBroadcast, production, live events

While both roles involve working with audio equipment, a Live Sound Engineer primarily focuses on mixing and balancing sound during live performances, ensuring optimal audio quality for audiences. An Audio Technician handles the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of audio systems, supporting the technical infrastructure behind live and recorded events.

Are live sound engineers in demand?

Live sound engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for audio support at concerts, events, and venues. Employment opportunities often depend on experience, technical skills, and familiarity with audio equipment and mixing consoles. The industry can be competitive, but skilled engineers with certifications and adaptability are sought after.

How much do live sound engineers make?

Live sound engineers typically earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of events they work on. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced engineers working at large venues or festivals can earn higher wages and additional income through overtime or freelance gigs.

How to get a job as a live sound engineer?

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

What do live sound engineers do?

Live sound engineers are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment during live events such as concerts, theater productions, and conferences. They adjust sound levels, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure clear audio quality for performers and audiences using mixing consoles and microphones. Strong technical skills and knowledge of audio equipment are essential for this role.

What cities near Amherst, MA are hiring for Live Sound Engineer jobs?

Cities near Amherst, MA with the most Live Sound Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Live Sound Engineer job openings in Amherst, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Media and AV Technology Coordinator

Amherst College

Amherst, MA • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Amherst College rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.
Job Description:
Amherst College invites applications for the Media and AV Technology Coordinator position. The Media and AV Technology Coordinator is a full-time, year-round position. The expected range for this position is $25.00-27.00 per hour.
The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.
The Media and AV Technology Coordinator serves as a technical specialist for all audio, visual, and media technology operations within the Student Center. In addition, serves as a key member of the operations team within the Student Center to assist with building oversight, event set-ups and programmatic features. This position supports a wide range of events and activities-including meetings, performances, lectures, conferences, and student organization events-by managing, maintaining, and operating the Student Center's AV systems. The coordinator works closely with campus departments and student organizations to ensure professional, reliable, and innovative technology and set-up support for events and daily operations.
Support signature divisional programs such as Orientation, Mammoth Welcome Week, Family Weekend, Campus Parties, Homecoming, Spring concert, Commencement, and other large-scale events.
Position: 2 pm-10 pm with a flexible work schedule to accommodate night and weekend programming.
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
Event Support and Operations:
• Coordinate and execute AV and media technology needs for events held in the Student Center and within Student Affairs campus spaces.
• Provide on-site technical support during events, including setup, operation, troubleshooting, and breakdown of the event
• Ensure high-quality sound, lighting, and visual presentations for programs ranging from small meetings to large-scale campus events.
• Collaborate with the Program and Building Director to assess technology needs and develop appropriate technical plans.
Equipment Maintenance and Management:
• Maintain, inventory, and ensure the proper functioning of AV and media equipment (e.g., projectors, sound systems, microphones, lighting, streaming devices, digital signage).
• Oversee preventative maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of AV systems and infrastructure.
• Research and recommend new technologies and equipment to enhance the Student Center's capabilities.
• Develop and deliver training materials for staff and student users on AV system operation and best practices.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, customer service, and technical excellence among student employees.
Administrative and Collaborative Responsibilities:
• Manage scheduling and logistics for AV support requests using event management software.
• Assist with budgeting, purchasing, and vendor coordination related to AV technology and maintenance.
• Collaborate with IT, Facilities, and Student Affairs staff to ensure technology integration and support across campus.
• Stay informed of emerging trends in media technology and higher education event management.
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Media Technology, Communications, Information Technology, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • 2-4 years of experience in AV coordination, media services, or event technology support.
  • Strong technical proficiency with AV systems, live sound, projection, and streaming platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, OBS, or similar).
  • Excellent organizational, troubleshooting, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support events.
  • Successful completion of required background and reference checks

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at
https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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