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Music Recording Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Director of Bands

Redding, CA · On-site

$68K - $76K/yr

Provide effective administrative leadership over bands programming for the university. * Directs ... Experience teaching music recording and computer music technology, or professional experience in ...

Head of Music

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

ElevenAPI gives developers access to our leading AI audio foundational models. Everything we do is ... Proven track record of driving the development of music technology, including excellent product ...

Senior Software Engineer-Apple Music

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

... great engineer. We build the cross-platform UI layer that brings Apple Music to life on iPhone ... record of working with metrics and analytics pipelines to measure feature impact and detect ...

You have strong knowledge of recording studio operations including a working knowledge of the duties of the engineering staff, technical support staff, studio assistants, music editors, copyists and ...

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Music Recording Engineer information

See California salary details

$5

$47

$75

How much do music recording engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for music recording engineer in California is $47.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.65 and $59.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a music recording engineer do?

A Music Recording Engineer is responsible for capturing, mixing, and editing audio during music recording sessions. They operate recording equipment, set up microphones, and work closely with artists and producers to achieve the desired sound quality. Their expertise ensures that all elements of a song are recorded clearly and balanced properly. They may also handle post-production tasks like mixing and mastering to prepare music for release. Overall, they play a crucial role in the technical and creative aspects of music production.

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

Music Recording Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing differing creative visions between artists, producers, and record labels, as well as handling technical issues like equipment malfunctions or acoustical problems. They must balance delivering high-quality sound with meeting tight deadlines, which can require quick problem-solving and adaptability. Additionally, engineers need strong communication skills to guide artists through the recording process and create a comfortable, productive studio environment. Overcoming these challenges is key to producing outstanding recordings and building lasting professional relationships.

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

A Music Recording Engineer needs a solid understanding of audio engineering principles, acoustics, and recording techniques, often supported by a degree or certification in audio production. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro, as well as audio interfaces, microphones, and mixing consoles, is essential. Excellent attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help engineers collaborate effectively with artists and producers. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality recordings that meet artistic and technical standards in a competitive music industry.

What is the difference between Music Recording Engineer vs Sound Technician?

AspectMusic Recording EngineerSound Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree or certification in audio engineering or music productionOften has technical training or certifications in sound systems or audio technology
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, music production facilitiesLive events, concerts, broadcast environments
Industry UsageMusic industry, recording labels, production companiesEvent venues, broadcasting stations, live sound companies

While both roles involve working with audio equipment, a Music Recording Engineer focuses on capturing and mixing music in studio settings, whereas a Sound Technician primarily manages sound during live events or broadcasts. The roles often overlap but differ in environment and specific responsibilities.

Are music recording engineers in demand?

Music recording engineers are in demand in the entertainment industry, especially in areas with active music scenes and recording studios. Employment growth is steady but competitive, requiring technical skills with digital audio workstations and certifications to stay current. Opportunities often depend on experience, networking, and the ability to adapt to new recording technologies.

How do you become a music recording engineer?

To become a music recording engineer, individuals typically pursue a degree or diploma in audio engineering, music production, or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or assistant roles in recording studios and developing skills with industry-standard software and equipment are essential steps in building a career in this field.

How much money do music recording engineers make?

Music recording engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, with experienced professionals or those working in major markets earning higher. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of projects, and many engineers supplement income through freelance work or side projects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Music Recording 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 $98,886 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Recording Arts Instructor (Continuous Adjunct Pool)

Citrus College

Glendora, CA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Recording Arts Instructor (Continuous Adjunct Pool)
Position Description
POSITION SUMMARY:This is a POOL position. Application materials for this part-time position are accepted on an on-going basis. As openings for temporary, part-time recording arts instructors become available, candidates may be selected from this pool of applicants.
This position requires a highly skilled experienced recording engineer with a keen eye for quality and meticulous attention to detail, who demonstrates an amazing knowledge and enthusiasm for the music and post production industry. The candidate must exhibit a superior practical application of audio engineering science and technology that include unique and innovative teaching concepts.
Required Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, cultural background, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty, and staff
AND
Any bachelor's degree, from an accredited institution, and two years of full-time related professional experience
OR
Any associate degree, from an accredited institution, and six years of full-time related professional experience. Professional experience is required when the applicant possesses a master's degree. The professional experience required must be directly related to the faculty member's teaching assignment.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in recording arts/music technology.
Teaching experience.
Five years of professional experience.
Applicant's portfolio must include verifiable industry recognized credits such as: Film, Television and commercial audio production, Gold, Platinum records, Grammys, and or major artist production support.
Licenses and Certificates
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:
NA
Recruitment Start Date
02/01/2023
Recruitment End Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
Salary Range
Salary to be determined by the candidate's proper placement on the current Adjunct Faculty Salary Schedule, which is based on education and experience, and can be found at the Citrus College website.
Pay Rate
TBD
Benefits
BENEFITS:Paid holidays, health benefits, and vacation are not offered for this part-time faculty position.
FLSA
Exempt
Department
Visual and Performing Arts Department Administration
If "Other" please specify
Job Category
Assignment
Percentage of Time
NA
Months per Year
NA
Work Days per Week
To be determined by the District
Work Schedule per Day
To be determined by the District
Work Shift
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
NA
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Extensive experience in developing and maintaining an audio engineering and career-training program.
Studio Management.
Record/Edit/Mix.
Music Theory/Techniques.
Client Relations.
Live Sound, extensive background in recording production, music and audio design for film, Television and Engineering
Windows/Mac.
Audio/MIDI.
Logic Pro.
ProTools 11HD.
Awareness of new developments in recording software and hardware.
ProTools 11HD Certified Operator with extensive knowledge of recording, editing and mix in various sounds utilizing innovative and creative audio techniques with deep understanding of the production industry.
Successfully able to work under strict deadline driven timeframes with professionalism and accuracy.
Experience with Windows/Mac computer environments and including the latest audio-mix software like ProTools 11HD, and Logic Pro.
Thorough knowledge of recording engineering, including signal flow, large format recording consoles both analog, digital and hybrid platforms.
Must demonstrate keen audio/mix capabilities that produce unique and compelling sounds and audio engineering successes.
Help direct other faculty members in a unique educational environment functioning within a professional studio complex.
Assist students with proper miking techniques to achieve precise sounding recordings
Implement various procedures and processes in accordance with institutional guidelines and requirements.
Citrus College Diversity Statement
CITRUS COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of Citrus College to not discriminate against and to encourage a diversity of applicants based on national origin, religion, age, sex or gender, race, color, medical condition, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, use of family and medical care leave, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the preceding characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
About Transcripts
ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:
-Candidates must upload copies of all transcripts (need not be official at the time of application) which prove sufficient for verifying minimum qualifications for this position.
-Official transcripts will be required at the time of the job offer.
-Transcripts must be from the awarding institution, and must show that the degree has been awarded (or conferred) and the year.
-Degree(s) must be earned (or conferred) from accredited institution(s) or an equivalent foreign institution by the first consideration date for this position.
-All degrees must be verifiable on a legible transcript by the indicated first consideration date for this position.
-Foreign transcripts must be transcribed in English AND evaluated for U.S. equivalency by a bona fide U.S. evaluation service.
Selection Process
Quick Link
https://employment.citruscollege.edu/postings/654