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Live Sound Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Technical expertise in sound engineering techniques in studio and live sound environments * Expertise in ProTools and a working knowledge of other audio software and hardware like iZotope RX suite ...

$41 - $50/hr

... live sound engineering, theatrical lighting, technical direction, and/or venue management.Prior experience in K-12, higher education, or similar educational environments preferred.Demonstrated ...

Audio Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$90K/yr

Technical expertise in sound engineering techniques in studio and live sound environments * Expertise in ProTools and a working knowledge of other audio software and hardware like iZotope RX suite ...

As an Audio Engineer at Sofar, you'll bring the magic on the sound desk at local shows throughout ... Provide live sound reinforcement for Sofar shows * Work with the crew team & artists to prep and ...

As an Audio Engineer at Sofar, you'll bring the magic on the sound desk at local shows throughout ... Provide live sound reinforcement for Sofar shows * Work with the crew team & artists to prep and ...

As an Audio Engineer at Sofar, you'll bring the magic on the sound desk at local shows throughout ... Provide live sound reinforcement for Sofar shows * Work with the crew team & artists to prep and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Live Sound Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do live sound engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for live sound engineering in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectLive Sound EngineeringAudio Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering certifications, technical trainingTechnical certifications, equipment training
Work EnvironmentConcerts, events, live venuesRecording studios, broadcast, live events
Industry UsageMusic concerts, festivals, theaterBroadcast, recording, live events

Live Sound Engineering focuses on managing sound during live performances, ensuring audio quality for audiences. Audio Technicians support audio systems across various settings, including recording and broadcast. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, Live Sound Engineers specialize in real-time sound management at events, whereas Audio Technicians may work in studio or broadcast environments. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.

What is live sound engineering?

Live sound engineering is the process of managing and operating audio equipment during live events such as concerts, theater productions, and conferences. Live sound engineers are responsible for setting up microphones, speakers, and mixing consoles to ensure high-quality sound for the audience and performers. Their duties also include balancing audio levels, controlling feedback, and troubleshooting technical issues in real-time. This role requires both technical skills and a keen ear for sound to adapt to varying venues and performance styles.

How much do live sound engineers earn?

Live sound engineers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scale of events they work on. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers working at large events or for major clients can earn higher salaries or hourly rates. Many also supplement income through freelance work and overtime during events.

How much do live sound engineers make?

Live sound engineers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of events they work on. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers working at large concerts or festivals can earn higher wages and additional performance-based pay.

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

Live sound engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected technical issues, acoustical problems in various venues, and managing last-minute changes from performers or organizers. To address these, it's important to arrive early for thorough sound checks, maintain clear communication with performers and event staff, and stay adaptable under pressure. Being proactive with equipment maintenance and having backup solutions ready can also help ensure the show runs smoothly and professionally.

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 principles, acoustics, and signal flow, often supported by formal training or a degree in audio engineering. Proficiency with mixing consoles, digital audio workstations (DAWs), microphones, and PA systems is essential, and certifications from organizations like AVIXA or Dante can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you adapt quickly to on-site challenges and collaborate with performers and crew. These competencies ensure high-quality sound experiences and smooth event operations in dynamic live environments.

Are live sound engineers in demand?

Live sound engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for audio support at concerts, events, and productions. Employment opportunities often depend on experience, technical skills, and familiarity with sound equipment and mixing consoles. The industry can be competitive, but skilled engineers with certifications and adaptability are sought after.
What are popular job titles related to Live Sound Engineering jobs in California? For Live Sound Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Live Sound Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Live Sound Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Live Sound Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Live Sound Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Live Sound Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Corporate Live Sound Audio Engineer

Vario Productions

El Cajon, CA โ€ข On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description:

COMPANY PROFILE

Vario Productions is an international live event production company, specializing in Corporate Events and Meetings, Galas, General Sessions, and Activations. We produce hundreds of events per year with our US and global clients. Our vast array of services includes everything from production management, lighting, A/V, large-scale event technology, and our own Event App and Virtual Meeting Platform.


CANDIDATE PROFILE

We are looking to hire a customer-facing and experienced Live Sound Audio Engineer to operate our event productions, determine potential problems and provide solutions to issues that arise, design, upgrade, and maintain systems, and brainstorm possible improvements that can be made to a system in the future.


This position will report to the Director of Operations and support event planning and execution internationally. This individual should thrive under pressure, enjoy travel, and have a passion for technical event production. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strong leadership and organizational skills to deliver seamless event experiences.


CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

  • Manage audio hardware, software, and associated tools as onsite Audio Engineer, A1.
  • Ensure all audio production elements are tested and “show ready” for all events you are assigned.
  • Working knowledge of Yamaha, Vue, Allen and Heath, Shure, ClearCom, QSC, Dante, QLab, Ease Focus, Windows and MacOS.
  • Continually ensuring all Live and Hybrid production workflow infrastructure is reliable.
  • Ability to travel as needed for events up to 4+ times per month.
  • Strong communication skills, excellent organization and time-management, thoroughness, and the ability to handle multiple priorities including multiple simultaneous projects of varying sizes and scope.
  • Flexible attitude with evening and weekend availability.
  • Assist PM/TD with Audio System Design for potential and confirmed events.
  • Provide Specs for System / Gear Lists if needed.
  • Development of new System Configuration or Connections Solutions.
  • Main show operator for live and Hybrid events.
  • Proactive in setting up and tearing down live events.
  • Self-Directed schedule/availability to effectively manage and execute event needs.
  • Continually monitor upcoming events requiring dedicated audio systems engineer oversight support staff. Report labor needs to Logistics no less than 4 weeks in advance.
  • Communicate and escalate issues to relevant project leads (Project Manager, Sales Manager).
  • Coordinate with sub rental vendors as well as National Resource and Logistics Managers to properly fulfill the event’s equipment & labor requirements.
  • Advise on setup configurations to optimize the best sound system for the event space within budget.
  • Build, coordinate, and manage positive relationships with senior-level clients, internal teams, venues, and vendors.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

  • Organizationally skilled with high attention to detail.
  • Perform quarterly quality control audits on existing inventory to ensure that all equipment meets the high standards the company requires.
  • Notify management of damages and losses immediately.
  • Proficient using standard office software: Word, Email, Excel, G Suite, Zoom.
  • Able to take on other tasks as assigned.
  • Knowledgeable of day-to-day operations.
  • Maintain a neat workspace/desk.
  • Work diligently and maintain proper use of time.
  • Assist management with special projects as needed.
  • Must be flexible with work schedules to cover for unforeseen circumstances as needed.
  • Able to work with last-minute changes.
  • Able to work well under pressure.
  • Works well in a team environment.
  • Perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
  • Ensuring safety of company assets and property.
  • Maintains a positive attitude.
  • Must be a team player.
  • Take Initiative to learn.
  • On time and punctual.
  • Must be able to lift 70lbs
Requirements:


  • 5+ years of AV Live Sound Audio Engineering, preferably corporate events in a client-facing role
  • Thorough understanding of audio systems, support tools, and leading audio support technicians.
  • Ability to travel as needed for events, up to +75% during peak seasons.
  • Attention to detail when creating system designs, arrays, specifications, and overall planning tools for technical productions.
  • Strong communication skills, excellent organization and time-management, thoroughness, and the ability to simultaneously handle multiple priorities and projects of varying sizes and scope.
  • Intermediate computer skills a must (including G Suite, Microsoft Office, Windows/Mac, Zoom).
  • Proficient in Ease Focus, Dante, Shure Wireless Workbench, QLab, StageMix, and Vue Systems.
  • Flexible attitude with evening and weekend availability.
  • Excellent client service skills with the ability to adapt to program changes while keeping composure.
  • Strong experience with event pre-production and understanding of live and remote (virtual) speaker presentation support technologies and technical support equipment functions.
  • Excellent communication skills with all stakeholders, crew, and clients.
  • Working knowledge of 3-phase electrical systems and portable power.
  • Advanced knowledge of audio systems, gain staging, RF coordination, flown and ground-supported systems.

Preferred

  • Located in San Diego, Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, Northern California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, DC, NYC, Chicago, Boston.
  • 8+ years of AV Live Sound Audio Engineer, preferably corporate events in a client-facing role.
  • System design, amps, power, curves, RF, automation, comm systems.
  • Demonstrated skills in leading teams and ensuring event logistics timelines are kept.
  • Knowledge of the following platforms/apps: Flex Rental Solutions, Zoom, Vectorworks, Google application suite.
  • Experience with video, lighting, electrical and structural support preferred.
  • Event industry work experience, demonstrating progressive career growth and a pattern of exceptional performance.
  • Strong industry relations with vendors and event engineers.
  • Create 2D and 3D diagrams plots for audio systems flown and ground-supported.

Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position at $65,000 - $72,000/year annualized (base), commensurate with experience + Bonus + company benefits package:

  • 401k with company match.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance.
  • Short Term Disability.
  • Performance-based bonuses.
  • Flexible, remote office work environment.
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Holidays.
  • Paid Educational and Certificate Training.