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Music Audio Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Music playback. The work you do here will be heard by hundreds of millions of people around the world. Description As a member of the Audio HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) team, you will be on the ...

... Music playback. The work you do here will be heard by hundreds of millions of people around the world. Description As a member of the Audio HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) team, you will be on the ...

... music with delight, communicate with clarity, and enjoy elegant sound throughout our product line ... We work closely with various multi-functional teams including Industrial Design, Audio Engineering ...

... music with delight, communicate with clarity, and enjoy elegant sound throughout our product line ... We work closely with various multi-functional teams including Industrial Design, Audio Engineering ...

Showing results 21-40

Music Audio Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$83.3K

$169.3K

How much do music audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for music audio engineer in California is $83,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a music audio engineer do?

A music audio engineer, also known as a sound engineer, oversees the music and sound for a music recording, movie or television show, or a live performance. In this role, you set up music equipment before the performance begins, such as speakers, audio cables, microphones, and stereos. Once the equipment is ready, you check the sound quality, record test runs of the audio with each microphone and speaker, and adjust levels to obtain optimal sound quality. Music sound engineers can work for production companies, event venues, and technology companies, or they sometimes work exclusively for bands or other musical ensembles.

What are some common challenges music audio engineers face when working on a project?

Music Audio Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing the creative vision of artists with technical constraints, managing tight deadlines during recording or mixing sessions, and resolving unexpected technical issues with equipment or software. Additionally, they must ensure clear communication with producers, musicians, and other team members to deliver the desired sound. Staying updated with evolving audio technology and industry standards is also essential for delivering high-quality results.

What does a music audio engineer do?

A Music Audio Engineer is responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering music tracks to achieve the desired sound quality. They operate audio equipment, set up microphones, adjust sound levels, and work closely with artists and producers to bring creative visions to life. Their expertise ensures that music sounds clear and balanced across different listening environments. Additionally, they may edit and enhance audio using specialized software, making technical and artistic decisions throughout the production process.

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

To thrive as a Music Audio Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio recording, mixing, and mastering techniques, usually backed by a degree or certificate in audio engineering or related experience. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live, as well as familiarity with studio hardware and software plugins, is essential. Outstanding attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills set top engineers apart when collaborating with artists and producers. These capabilities ensure high-quality sound production and smooth workflow in a competitive music industry.

What is the difference between Music Audio Engineer vs Sound Designer?

AspectMusic Audio EngineerSound Designer
CredentialsAudio engineering certifications, music production experienceSound design courses, audio editing skills
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live venues, post-productionFilm, video games, multimedia projects
Industry UsageMusic production, broadcasting, live soundFilm, gaming, advertising

Music Audio Engineers focus on recording, mixing, and mastering music tracks, often working in studios or live settings. Sound Designers create audio elements for multimedia projects like films and games, emphasizing sound effects and atmospheres. While both roles require audio skills and technical knowledge, their applications and environments differ significantly.

Is there a demand for music audio engineers?

Music audio engineers are in steady demand due to the growth of the music industry, streaming services, and live event production. Skills in digital audio workstations, mixing, and mastering are highly valued, and employment opportunities exist in recording studios, broadcasting, and post-production environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Music Audio Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Music Audio Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Music Audio Engineer jobs in California?

For Music Audio Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Music Audio Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Music Audio Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Music Audio Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Music Audio Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Music Audio Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,350 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Core Audio System Software Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Imagine what you could do here at Apple. Every day, bold ideas become extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences faster than anywhere else in the world. We are looking for passionate, dedicated individuals who bring both technical depth and creative thinking to their work.
The Audio and Media Technologies (AMT) team sits at the heart of audio, video, and graphics support across Apple's most innovative products, including HomePod, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
Our Audio team provides the foundational audio infrastructure that powers technologies such as FaceTime, Camera, AirPlay, Siri, Pro Audio, Streaming, and Music playback. The work you do here will be heard by hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Description
As a member of the Audio HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) team, you will be on the front lines of building the systems that define Apple's audio experience. You will solve complex engineering challenges, develop new features and capabilities, and maintain and evolve the developer-facing APIs used by both application and driver developers across the ecosystem.
We are looking for a self-starter who communicates with clarity and precision, pays close attention to detail, and approaches hard problems with creativity and rigor. You will thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment where your work ships to customers globally. Above all, you are someone who genuinely cares about delivering an exceptional audio experience, for both Apple customers and the broader developer community.
Minimum Qualifications
Strong C++ programming skills; familiarity with Swift.
Solid understanding of multi-threaded programming and operating systems concepts.
Experience with digital audio systems.
Proven debugging skills across complex software stacks.
Preferred Qualifications
BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
5+ years of experience with real-time audio software.
Familiarity with real-time constraints and low-latency systems.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976