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Music Audio Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Audio Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Music Technology, or a related discipline. * AVIXA CTS, CTS-D, or CTS-I certification. * Experience with audio modeling ...

New

Background in music, audio engineering, or sound production . * Experience in linguistics, phonetics, language teaching, media, or communications . * Previous experience evaluating speech or audio ...

Background in music, audio engineering, or sound production . * Experience in linguistics, phonetics, language teaching, media, or communications . * Previous experience evaluating speech or audio ...

The AV Engineer is responsible for managing and executing all audio components for live ... Coordinate lighting and visuals in sync with music and performance flow * Maintain all visual and ...

Sound Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29/hr

The AV Engineer is responsible for managing and executing all audio components for live ... Coordinate lighting and visuals in sync with music and performance flow * Maintain all visual and ...

Background in linguistics, phonetics, voice specialization, music/audio engineering, or a related field . * Experience with audio analysis, transcription, speech evaluation, or linguistic assessment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Job Duties: * Assists in crafting the internal philosophy for programming/presenting music ... Audio Production * Marketing and Community Engagement. Additional Information: Pay and Benefits:

Audio Test Engineering Intern

Skokie, IL · On-site +1

$23 - $43/hr

Pursuing a degree in Audio Recording, Music Technology, or Engineering. * Interest in, and/or experience with, working with professional audio products in live sound, recording or A/V conferencing ...

New

Audio Test Engineering Intern

Skokie, IL · On-site +1

$23 - $43/hr

Pursuing a degree in Audio Recording, Music Technology, or Engineering. * Interest in, and/or experience with, working with professional audio products in live sound, recording or A/V conferencing ...

Pursuing a degree in Audio Recording, Music Technology, or Engineering. * Interest in, and/or experience with, working with professional audio products in live sound, recording or A/V conferencing ...

Audio Test Engineering Intern

Skokie, IL · On-site +1

$23 - $43/hr

Pursuing a degree in Audio Recording, Music Technology, or Engineering. * Interest in, and/or experience with, working with professional audio products in live sound, recording or A/V conferencing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Music Audio Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$28.6K

$81.8K

$166.2K

How much do music audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for music audio engineer in Illinois is $81,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $109,500.00 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Music Audio Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,839 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Audio Consultant

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Design professional audio and audiovisual systems for new construction and renovation projects.

  • Meet with clients, end users, and stakeholders to understand operational requirements and performance objectives.

  • Develop system concepts, narratives, specifications, drawings, and construction documentation.


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Audio Consultant

Job Description

Salas O'Brien is a nationally recognized employee-owned engineering and consulting firm dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable, and high-performing environments. As we continue to expand our Technology Consulting practice, we are seeking an experienced Audio Consultant to join our growing team.

The Audio Consultant is responsible for the planning, design, and implementation support of professional audio and audiovisual systems across a diverse range of projects, including performing arts venues, sports facilities, houses of worship, corporate campuses, higher education facilities, museums, entertainment venues, and mixed-use developments.

This role combines consulting, engineering, and real-world audio experience. The ideal candidate understands both the technical requirements of building systems and the operational demands of live and performance audio environments. They can design a distributed paging system for a corporate campus, develop a high-performance sound reinforcement system for a theater, and confidently discuss loudspeaker deployment, signal flow, networking, and mixing workflows with technical operators and end users.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with clients, architects, engineers, venue operators, and design teams to develop audio solutions that deliver exceptional speech intelligibility, musical performance, operational flexibility, and long-term reliability.

The ideal candidate is passionate about sound, understands the science behind acoustic and electroacoustic system performance, and has practical experience with professional audio technologies used in live events, performing arts, and installed sound environments.

Job Duties

  • Design professional audio and audiovisual systems for new construction and renovation projects.
  • Meet with clients, end users, and stakeholders to understand operational requirements and performance objectives.
  • Develop system concepts, narratives, specifications, drawings, and construction documentation.
  • Design and specify:
    • Performance Audio Systems
    • Distributed Audio Systems
    • Paging and Mass Notification Systems
    • Audiovisual Systems
    • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Systems
    • Audio-over-IP Systems
    • Recording and Broadcast Audio Systems
  • Develop loudspeaker coverage designs and evaluate system performance using modeling and prediction software.
  • Prepare project budgets and assist clients with system planning and technology roadmaps.
  • Coordinate infrastructure requirements with architectural, electrical, telecommunications, and structural design teams.
  • Participate in construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittal reviews, site observations, issue resolution, commissioning, and project closeout.
  • Assist with system testing, tuning, and validation to verify design performance criteria.
  • Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining quality and schedule commitments.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent professional experience in audio system design and consulting.
  • 4 to 8 years of experience in professional audio, audiovisual consulting, system integration, venue operations, or a related field.
  • Experience designing, operating, installing, or commissioning professional audio systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of:
    • Loudspeaker Systems
    • Mixing Consoles
    • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
    • Audio Networking Technologies (Dante, AVB, AES67, etc.)
    • Microphone Systems
    • Wireless Audio Systems
    • Performance Audio Infrastructure
    • Audiovisual Systems
  • Understanding of signal flow, gain structure, system optimization, and audio system commissioning.
  • Proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
  • Professional and client-facing demeanor.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary design teams.

Preferred

  • Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Music Technology, or a related discipline.
  • AVIXA CTS, CTS-D, or CTS-I certification.
  • Experience with audio modeling software including both EASE and manufacturer specific programs
  • Experience commissioning and tuning installed sound systems.
  • Experience supporting live events, theaters, houses of worship, sports venues, or entertainment facilities.
  • Familiarity with acoustical concepts and room performance metrics.
  • Passion for emerging audio technologies and ongoing professional development.

Location

Location: Boulder, CO; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Southern California.  Fully remote available based on qualifications.

Work Model: Hybrid.

 Travel: As needed for project work (up to 10%)

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $85,000 - $105,000 USD per year depending on experience. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement:

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.


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