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Music Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mercor

Music Production Expert - Russian

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$35 - $49/hr

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 ...

New

Entravision Communications

Brand Manager

Burbank, CA · On-site

Essential Functions Content, Music, & Programming Develop and execute programming strategies for assigned Latin formats (e.g., Regional Mexican, Latin Pop, Urban Latino, Tropical, etc.). Curate music ...

Entravision Communications

Brand Manager

Burbank, CA

Essential Functions Content, Music, & Programming Develop and execute programming strategies for assigned Latin formats (e.g., Regional Mexican, Latin Pop, Urban Latino, Tropical, etc.). Curate music ...

Entravision Communications

Brand Manager

Burbank, CA · On-site

Essential Functions Content, Music, & Programming Develop and execute programming strategies for assigned Latin formats (e.g., Regional Mexican, Latin Pop, Urban Latino, Tropical, etc.). Curate music ...

Entravision Communications

Brand Manager

Burbank, CA

Essential Functions Content, Music, & Programming Develop and execute programming strategies for assigned Latin formats (e.g., Regional Mexican, Latin Pop, Urban Latino, Tropical, etc.). Curate music ...

Mercor

Thai Music Audio Expert

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$17/hr

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

CalPolyPomona

Lecturer AY - Music

Pomona, CA · On-site

Audio Engineering/Production * Music technology (DAWs, notation software) * Composition and ... Songwriting * Music education (secondary methods, instrumental methods, etc) * Music business ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsMusic Engineer JobsMusic Engineer Jobs in California

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:

Music Engineer jobs near you
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.

ML Software Engineering Manager - Apple Music

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. The work you do here has the potential to reach hundreds of millions of people, and nowhere is that more true than Apple Music, where technology and artistry meet to connect listeners with the music they love.
The Apple Music ML team is looking for an ML Software Engineering Manager to lead a team at the forefront of music recommendation and personalization. This is a rare opportunity to shape how tens of millions of people discover music every day, working alongside world-class engineers, researchers, and product partners to build systems that are both technically ambitious and deeply human.
Description
As an ML Software Engineering Manager on the Apple Music team, you will lead a team of talented engineers responsible for designing, building, and shipping state-of-the-art music recommendation and personalization systems. You will own the technical direction of the team, partner closely with Research and Product, and ensure your engineers have the support, clarity, and growth opportunities they need to do the best work of their careers.
You will collaborate regularly with Apple teams globally, working across time zones to deliver cohesive, high-quality experiences at scale.
Minimum Qualifications
3+ years of experience managing software engineering teams
5+ years of experience building and shipping high-quality software products
Hands-on experience designing and shipping products in the recommendation systems space
Strong computer science fundamentals and system design experience
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
Preferred Qualifications
Deep understanding of modern recommendation system architectures and the tradeoffs involved in building them at scale
Experience with machine learning frameworks and familiarity with end-to-end ML model development lifecycles
Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical tradeoffs for both technical and non-technical audiences
Experience leading or collaborating with geographically distributed teams across time zones
Track record of attracting, developing, and retaining strong engineering talent in a competitive environment
Passion for music and a curiosity about how technology can deepen the connection between people and the artists they love

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

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