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Live Sound Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AV engineer Location: San Jose, California - Onsite Visa Status: GC/USC • Typically has 5 to 7 ... live sound production, Vaddio type video switchers and digital camera equipment, Clear Com type ...

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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.

School of Music and Dance - Music Lecturer Pool 2026-2027

California State University

San Diego, CA

$5.5K - $6.6K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

School of Music and Dance - Music Lecturer Pool 2026-2027

Apply now Job no: 556381
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time

Description

The School of Music and Dance in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts at San Diego State University is accepting applications for their Music part-time lecturer pool.  

We welcome applications from prospective temporary faculty with expertise or experience in the following areas:

  • Music History, Musicology, Music Theory, Music Composition, Music Education, Music Topics, Class Piano, Class Guitar, Aural Skills, Audio, Music Technology, Ensemble Direction (various), Private Instruction (various), Mariachi Conducting 
  • Audio Lecturer

Temporary appointments may be either full- or part-time. Appointments from the part-time pool are often made just prior to the start of the academic term, so applicants must be available on very short notice. The Fall term begins mid-August and end late-December; the Spring term begins mid-January and ends mid-May.  Opportunities for teaching during the Summer Sessions may also be available. Initial appointments are typically one semester or one academic year, to be renewed contingent on satisfactory evaluations and continuing availability of work. Applications will remain in our applicant pool during the academic year you apply.

Qualifications

Criteria 

  • Graduate degree in music or dance and/or commensurate professional experience (terminal degree preferred)
  • University teaching experience
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Demonstrated currency in subject matter
  • Professional activity in the field
  • Audio Lecturer:  Audio lecturer applicants should: have extensive professional experience in audio engineering, live sound reinforcement, and music production; be proficient in industry-standard software and hardware used in audio production, such as ProTools, Ableton Live, etc.; possess a strong understanding of acoustics, signal flow, digital signal processing, and audio equipment operation; be familiar with emerging trends and technologies in the audio industry, such as immersive audio, virtual reality, and interactive audio; have the ability to design and deliver curricula that cover a wide range of audio topics, including sound recording, mixing, mastering, and live sound techniques; possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to students with varying levels of expertise; have a demonstrated ability to mentor and support students in their academic and professional development and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that values diversity and encourages creative expression.
Application Instructions

Prospective temporary faculty who would like their applications on file are invited to send the following items:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Contact information for three (3) professional references (new employees only)
  • Cover letter summarizing qualifications and teaching interests (new employees only)
  • Unofficial transcripts and/or links to examples of professional work and/or evidence of teaching work/student evaluations (new employees only)

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new appointees are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank and placed at the beginning of the range.

As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:

Lecturer A: $5,507 - $6,677

Lecturer B: $6,221 - $13,224

Lecturer C: $6,825 - $14,523

Lecturer D: $8,593 - $15,211

Inquiries: For application inquiries, please email area program coordinators or School director Dr. Kevin Delgado at delgado@sdsu.edu

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment.  This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable "OneSDSU" community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Advertised: Apr 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US