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Music Audio Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Audio PD Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$216K - $324K/yr

... 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 ...

YO AI Labs

Italian Bilingual Expert - Remote

San Jose, CA · Remote

$30 - $65/hr

Background in linguistics, phonetics, voice specialization, music, audio engineering, communications, or a related field . * Experience with audio analysis, transcription, language evaluation, or ...

YO AI Labs

Hebrew Bilingual Expert - Remote

San Jose, CA · Remote

$30 - $65/hr

Background in linguistics, phonetics, voice specialization, music, audio engineering, communications, or a related field . * Experience with audio analysis, transcription, language evaluation, or ...

YO AI Labs

Thai Bilingual Expert - Remote

San Jose, CA · Remote

$30 - $65/hr

Background in linguistics, phonetics, voice specialization, music, audio engineering, communications, or a related field . * Experience with audio analysis, transcription, language evaluation, or ...

YO AI Labs

Russian Bilingual Expert - Remote

San Jose, CA · Remote

$30 - $70/hr

Background in linguistics, phonetics, voice specialization, music, audio engineering, communications, or a related field . * Experience with audio analysis, transcription, language evaluation, or ...

YO AI Labs

Tamil Bilingual Expert - Remote

San Jose, CA · Remote

$30 - $65/hr

Background in linguistics, phonetics, voice specialization, music, audio engineering, communications, or a related field . * Experience with audio analysis, transcription, language evaluation, or ...

YO AI Labs

Thai Bilingual Expert - Remote

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$30 - $65/hr

Background in linguistics, phonetics, voice specialization, music, audio engineering, communications, or a related field . * Experience with audio analysis, transcription, language evaluation, or ...

YO AI Labs

Hebrew Bilingual Expert - Remote

Palo Alto, CA · Remote

$30 - $65/hr

Background in linguistics, phonetics, voice specialization, music, audio engineering, communications, or a related field . * Experience with audio analysis, transcription, language evaluation, or ...

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All JobsMusic Audio Engineer JobsMusic Audio Engineer Jobs in California

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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 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.

Do music audio engineers get paid well?

Music audio engineers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the industry sector they work in. Entry-level engineers typically earn lower wages, while experienced professionals working in major markets or for high-profile clients can earn significantly higher pay, often supplemented by freelance work or project-based fees. Certification in audio production and proficiency with industry-standard tools can also influence earning potential.

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. They require technical skills with digital audio workstations and sound equipment, and employment opportunities are available in recording studios, concert venues, and media production companies.
More about Music Audio Engineer jobs

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:

Music Audio Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Audio Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,350 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Audio PD Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$216K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 681 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

At Apple, we strive to invent the next generation of the world's finest consumer electronics. Sound is an essential and compelling facet of our devices and the customer experience. Apple has assembled an elite Audio Product Design team that helps enable our customers to experience music with delight, communicate with clarity, and enjoy elegant sound throughout our product line. We work with the utmost attention to detail, directly impacting the design of products that millions of people around the world love! We are looking for Product Design Engineers to help take Airpods to the next level. Could this be you?
Description
As a member of our Audio Product Design team, you would conceive, design, test, solve problems, and bring into production products that re-define the music experience. We work closely with various multi-functional teams including Industrial Design, Audio Engineering, Packaging, Safety, Hardware Engineering, EMC, Operations and Marketing. Expertly integrating advanced components into brand new products means every single day is different here! This role may require international travel (~10%).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with overseas manufacturers
Consumer electronics design experience
Integration of wireless antenna (GSM, GPS, Wifi) into mechanical enclosures
Experience with component modules (Audio drivers, batteries, power supplies, camera modules, etc.)
Design of audio subsystems (microphone, speaker, receiver)
MSME
Minimum Qualifications
7+ years experience in product design, or equivalent
BS Mechanical Engineering
Demonstrated ability in plastic and metal part design
3-D CAD skills
Experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA), statistical tolerance analysis techniques, and geometric tolerancing
Analytical/problem solving skills
Some experience with basic finite element analysis and general mechanical engineering analysis
Flexibility and comfort working in a quickly changing environment
Ability to travel internationally (10%+)
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $216,200 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

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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

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