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Live Sound Engineering Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Turn2Partners

Director of Live Production

Washington, DC · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Digital audio consoles and live sound mixing * Professional lighting consoles and programming * Video switching, routing, IMAG, and camera systems * LED walls and large-format display technologies

Pavion

Sr Service Technician

Chantilly, VA

$35 - $45/hr

AV control programming experience Creston, Extron, AMX. Or ability to work with programmers to load ... Pro Audio Experience, DSP, and Live Sound applications * IP Video Based Certification * Valid ...

Pavion

Sr Service Technician

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

AV control programming experience Creston, Extron, AMX. Or ability to work with programmers to load ... Pro Audio Experience, DSP, and Live Sound applications * IP Video Based Certification * Valid ...

Pavion

Sr Service Technician

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

AV control programming experience Creston, Extron, AMX. Or ability to work with programmers to load ... Pro Audio Experience, DSP, and Live Sound applications * IP Video Based Certification * Valid ...

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All JobsLive Sound Engineering JobsLive Sound Engineering Jobs in Washington, DC

Live Sound Engineering information

See Washington, DC salary details

$52.5K

$165.7K

$196.3K

How much do live sound engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for live sound engineering in Washington, DC is $165,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $195,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 venues or festivals can earn higher wages and additional tips or overtime pay.

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 software. Obtaining relevant certifications and building a network in the live event industry can also improve job prospects.

What does a live sound engineer do?

A live sound engineer is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment during live events such as concerts, theater productions, or conferences. They adjust sound levels, mix audio sources, and ensure clear sound quality for the audience, often using mixing consoles and microphones. Strong technical skills and knowledge of acoustics are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Live Sound Engineering jobs in Washington, DC?

For Live Sound Engineering jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Live Sound Engineering jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Live Sound Engineering jobs in Washington, DC are:

Live Sound Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Live Sound Engineering job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,718 per year, or $79.7 per hour.

Broadcast Production Engineer

ICM Asia Pacific

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Overview

Broadcast Management Group (BMG) delivers Managed Services, Live Production, and REMI Remote Production - engineered and monitored 24/7 across our national footprint (Washington DC, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles). We're looking for a Broadcast Production Engineer to support our REMI facilities, mobile units, and client sites nationwide.

This role travels extensively to support live news, sports, and entertainment broadcasts as Engineer in Charge (EIC), keeping mission-critical equipment running and issues resolved fast. Between shows, you'll work alongside our integration team - installing and testing new gear and helping build engineering signal flow synoptic diagrams and rack elevations. We're looking for someone who wants to be part of a team engineering broadcast-grade infrastructure from the ground up.

Essential Functions

Provide technical production support across BMG facilities and mobile units, keeping equipment running correctly.
Serve as Engineer in Charge (EIC) on location and at BMG's Broadcast Operations Center.
Handle integration and upgrade projects of varying scale.
Read and interpret broadcast engineering AutoCAD drawings.
Work independently or as part of a team on integration projects - equipment commissioning, training, and planned system upgrades.
Perform equipment maintenance as needed, including outside normal business hours.
Terminate, label, and test video, audio, control, and network wiring against wire lists and drawings.
Apply approved broadcast installation standards and wire equipment to BMG's quality and neatness standards.
Contribute ideas for improving systems and workflows.
Interact daily with clients on-site, delivering the BMG experience.
Work closely with producers and help manage crew on show days.
Pack and unpack the production truck with your Crew.
Build shows from the ground up - router configuration, signal flow troubleshooting, and translating show requirements into working solutions with the technical team.
Coordinate and set up transmission for assigned shows.
Maintain a positive, collaborative working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, clients, and vendors.
Mentor and train crew and less experienced team members.
Take end-to-end ownership of large-scale events, overseeing the production crew.

Skills & Experience

  • 5 years of experience in broadcast engineering, live production, or mobile/remote broadcast operations.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer or similar editing platforms.
  • Extensive experience operating recording studio equipment and live sound engineering setups.
  • Strong knowledge of audio systems, sound reinforcement systems operation, and event audio equipment operation.
  • Skilled in digital audio workstation (DAW) software for music mixing, post-production editing, and sound design.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues efficiently across a range of broadcast equipment and AV systems.
  • Expertise in videography, filming techniques, content creation, and video production workflows.
  • Familiarity with signal processing techniques and audio engineering principles for high-quality sound output.

transport).
Comfortable terminating, labeling, and testing video, audio, control, and network cabling to industry standards.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under live-event pressure.
Effective communicator who works well with producers, crew, clients, and vendors.
Willingness to travel extensively and work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as production schedules require.
Valid driver's license, with the ability to safely operate and help maintain a production truck.

Preferred (not required)

Prior experience serving as Engineer in Charge (EIC) on live remote or REMI productions.
Experience mentoring or training junior engineers (E2s).
Familiarity with IP-based broadcast standards (SMPTE 2110, NDI, SRT).


Embark on a career where your technical prowess fuels captivating broadcasts! We're dedicated to fostering a creative environment that values innovation, precision, and teamwork-empowering you to excel in every project you undertake.


Work Location: In person


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