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Music Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Music Teacher

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60K - $123K/yr

Coordinate class schedules with school administration and support music programming during school hours, with occasional after-school and weekend productions * Collaborate with teacher specialists to ...

Music Production Expert - Bengali Type: Contract Compensation: $11-$19/hour Location: Remote ... Credited or commercially released production, engineering, or mixing work. * Broad familiarity with ...

New

Music Production Expert - Korean Type: Contract Compensation: $35-$62/hour Location: Remote ... Credited or commercially released production, engineering, or mixing work. * Broad familiarity with ...

New

Ability to follow detailed written instructions in English. * 2+ years of experience as a music producer, audio engineer, or mixing engineer. * Headphones or studio monitors suitable for critical ...

Head of Music

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

... music, image, and video across 70+ languages ... ElevenAPI gives developers access to our leading AI audio foundational models. Everything we do is ...

Qualifications Must-Have * 3+ years of experience as a music producer, audio engineer, and/or sound mixer. * College degree in music, involving both performance, theory, and lyrics. * Native or near ...

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Showing results 1-20

Music Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do music engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for music engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music engineer?

To thrive as a Music Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio recording, mixing, acoustics, and music theory, often supported by a degree or certification in audio engineering or a related field. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and knowledge of microphones, signal processing, and studio equipment is essential. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication with artists and producers are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure high-quality sound production and smooth collaboration, which are vital for achieving the desired artistic vision in music projects.

What does a music engineer do?

A Music Engineer, also known as an audio engineer or sound engineer, is responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering music tracks in a studio or live setting. They operate technical equipment to capture and manipulate sound, ensuring that the final product meets artistic and technical standards. Music Engineers collaborate closely with artists, producers, and other studio professionals to create the desired sound for songs, albums, or live performances. Their expertise in audio technology and acoustics is crucial for producing high-quality recordings.

What are some common challenges music engineers face when working with artists in the studio?

Music Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing the creative vision of artists with technical limitations, managing time efficiently during recording sessions, and ensuring optimal sound quality in varying acoustic environments. Effective communication is essential, as engineers need to interpret and translate the artist’s ideas into technical terms. Additionally, adapting quickly to different music genres and artist preferences can be demanding but also fosters professional growth and versatility.

What is the difference between Music Engineer vs Sound Technician?

AspectMusic EngineerSound Technician
CredentialsMusic production or audio engineering degree, certificationsAudio engineering or technical certifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, music production settingsLive events, concerts, broadcast environments
Industry UsageMusic recording, production, and mixingSound reinforcement, live sound, equipment setup

Music Engineers focus on recording, mixing, and producing music in studio settings, often requiring specialized audio credentials. Sound Technicians primarily handle live sound, equipment setup, and maintenance during events. While both roles involve audio expertise, Music Engineers are more involved in the creative and production process, whereas Sound Technicians support live sound environments.

Do music engineers get paid well?

Music engineers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the type of projects they work on. Entry-level engineers typically earn lower wages, while experienced professionals working in major studios or with high-profile clients can earn significantly higher incomes. Overall, compensation can range from modest to high, depending on skill level and reputation.

How do you become a music engineer?

To become a music engineer, individuals typically pursue a degree or diploma in audio engineering, music production, or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, building a portfolio, and mastering industry-standard tools like Pro Tools or Logic Pro are essential steps. Strong technical skills, knowledge of acoustics, and familiarity with recording equipment are also important for success in this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Music Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Music Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Music Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Coordinator, Music Programming, Part-time

Sirius XM Radio

Los Angeles, CA

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities

Who We Are:

SiriusXM and its brands (Pandora, SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, Simplecast, and SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Services) are leading a new era of audio entertainment and services by delivering the most compelling subscription and ad-supported audio entertainment experience for listeners -- in the car, at home, and anywhere on the go with connected devices. Our vision is to shape the future of audio, where everyone can be effortlessly connected to the voices, stories and music they love wherever they are.

This is the place where a diverse group of emerging talent and legends alike come to share authentic and purposeful songs, stories, sounds and insights through some of the best programming and technology in the world. Our critically-acclaimed, industry-leading audio entertainment encompasses music, sports, comedy, news, talk, live events, and podcasting. No matter their individual role, each of our employees plays a vital part in bringing SiriusXM's vision to life every day.

SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America, and the premier programmer and platform for subscription and digital advertising-supported audio products. SiriusXM's platforms collectively reach approximately 150 million listeners, the largest digital audio audience across paid and free tiers in North America, and deliver music, sports, talk, news, comedy, entertainment and podcasts. Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. SiriusXM's subsidiaries Simplecast and AdsWizz make it a leader in podcast hosting, production, distribution, analytics and monetization. The Company's advertising sales organization, which operates as SiriusXM Media, leverages its scale, cross-platform sales organization and ad tech capabilities to deliver results for audio creators and advertisers. SiriusXM, through Sirius XM Canada Holdings, Inc., also offers satellite radio and audio entertainment in Canada. In addition to its audio entertainment businesses, SiriusXM offers connected vehicle services to automakers.

How you'll make an impact:

Works with members of the Music Programming team to create superior radio programs as needed. Supports creative processes, content development and production. Exercises both creative abilities and technical skills. Edits materials and operates an audio board. May be assigned to more than one program and perform slightly different functions across channels.

What you'll do:

  • Receives daily assignments from Manager, Music Programming Operations and Program Directors

  • Gains an understanding of the music scheduling software and automation system

  • Develops an understanding of and performs audio editing, fades and inserting correct digital markers that sound the most appealing based on music/content selection and channel genre

  • Loads audio elements into music automation system & properly enters royalties related song information

  • Pulls listeners requests and calls from electronic webmail

  • Ensures on-air hosts receive daily music logs and updated talent schedules generated from music scheduling software

  • Monitors assigned specialty programming for content and technical quality control; verifying accurate start time of program(s) and prepares programming for On Demand

  • Serves as a In Studio Producer, ensuring that live broadcasts air smoothly by maintaining proper audio levels, firing elements at proper times, troubleshooting technical issues under pressure

  • May assist Program Director with writing station imaging, promos and selecting specific music

  • May write, obtain/record, schedule and archive Artist IDs and Interviews

  • Assists with the coordination of music projects by compiling research data, and learns how to interpret data

  • May participate in music meetings - may monitor format charts, trade journals and music sales figures to be as knowledgeable as possible about assigned format(s)

  • May act as liaison to music artists during celebrity visits and communicates with music labels, as directed by management

What you'll need:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

  • 6-12 months of music programming related experience at a satellite, traditional commercial, and/or college radio station

  • Strong interest in learning all aspects of music programming and a desire to grow into a Program Director position

  • Strong interest in music and pop culture

  • Good public speaking and presentation skills.

  • Interpersonal skills and ability to interact and work with staff at all levels.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

  • Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.

  • Ability to project professionalism over the phone and in person.

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

  • Willingness to take initiative and to follow through on projects.

  • Creative writing ability.

  • Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and task-switch, and work under shifting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Experience with automation and/or AI as a plus.

  • Must have legal right to work in the U.S.

At SiriusXM, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including your background and experience. These considerations can cause your compensation to vary. We expect the base salary for this position to be $21/hr and will depend on your skills, qualifications, and experience. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Our goal at SiriusXM is to provide and maintain a work environment that fosters mutual respect, professionalism and cooperation. SiriusXM is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The requirements and duties described above may be modified or waived by the Company in its sole discretion without notice.

Employment Type: PART_TIME