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Playback Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Playback information

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$5

$19

$25

How much do playback jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for playback in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Playback Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Playback Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio engineering, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and live sound principles, often supported by relevant audio production education or experience. Familiarity with playback systems like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and hardware such as audio interfaces and MIDI controllers is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help ensure smooth coordination with artists and crew during live performances. These skills are crucial for delivering reliable and high-quality audio playback, minimizing technical issues, and supporting seamless shows.

What professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

In the playback or related media industries, high-paying roles such as audio engineers, sound designers, or video editors can reach or exceed $200,000 annually with extensive experience and specialized skills. Many of these roles prioritize technical expertise, certifications, and a strong portfolio over formal degrees, especially in freelance or senior positions within production environments.

What does a Playback operator do?

A Playback operator is responsible for managing and controlling the video, audio, and graphics content that is played back during live events, broadcasts, or film productions. They ensure that pre-recorded media is cued and displayed at the right moments, working closely with directors and production teams to maintain smooth transitions. This role requires technical knowledge of playback systems and quick problem-solving skills to handle any issues that may arise during live performances.

What is the difference between Playback vs Sound Engineer?

AspectPlaybackSound Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in audio/visual technologyRequires audio engineering certifications or degrees in sound design or related fields
Work EnvironmentLive events, theaters, concerts, and broadcast settingsRecording studios, live events, film sets, and broadcast stations
Industry UsageUsed in live performances to manage audio playbackInvolved in recording, mixing, and sound design for various media

While both Playback and Sound Engineer roles involve audio technology, Playback primarily focuses on managing pre-recorded audio during live events, whereas Sound Engineers handle recording, mixing, and sound design across different media. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Playback Operators during live productions, and how can these be managed?

Playback Operators in live production environments often face challenges such as last-minute content changes, technical glitches with media servers, and the pressure of synchronizing playback cues with other departments. Successful operators stay organized by preparing backup files, conducting thorough technical checks before events, and maintaining clear communication with directors and technical teams. Being adaptable and having a strong understanding of the playback system are essential for managing these challenges smoothly.

How do you become a Playback Operator?

To become a Playback Operator, individuals typically need experience with video playback equipment, such as video servers and playback software, and often require a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is usually provided on the job, and strong attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments are important for success in this role.

What is a video playback job?

A video playback job involves operating and managing video playback equipment during live events, concerts, or broadcasts to ensure smooth video presentation. Workers in this role typically use specialized hardware and software, such as video switchers and monitors, and may need technical skills and experience with audiovisual systems. The job often requires attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly.

What is the average salary for Playback jobs?

The average salary for playback operators or technicians typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the industry sector. These roles often require technical skills with audio-visual equipment and may involve working in live event environments or broadcast settings.
More about Playback jobs
What cities are hiring for Playback jobs? Cities with the most Playback job openings:
What states have the most Playback jobs? States with the most job openings for Playback jobs include:
Infographic showing various Playback job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,158 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Senior Manager, Product Management: Smart Cameras

Senior Manager, Product Management: Smart Cameras

Cisco

Boston, MA • On-site

$137K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Cisco Systems rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 144 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 07/28/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

Cisco Smart Cameras is redefining video security and intelligent spaces through cloud-managed, AI-powered video solutions. Our team builds scalable software and cloud services that deliver seamless video playback, intelligent search, secure storage, and sophisticated AI-driven experiences for enterprise customers worldwide.

We are looking for a Software and CX Product Manager Team Leader to develop a team responsible for defining and delivering software capabilities across our video playback and cloud video services portfolio. This leader will drive strategy and execution for features including video playback experiences, cloud storage and archive management, export workflows, AI-powered video capabilities, and cloud-connected services that improve security and operational intelligence.

This role combines product leadership, technical depth, customer insight, and people management to help build the future of intelligent video experiences at Cisco.

Your Impact

  • Lead and develop an existing team of Product Managers responsible for software features across video playback, cloud video services, storage, archive, export, and AI-powered video experiences.

  • Define and implement the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for scalable cloud video solutions, balancing customer experience, reliability, performance, security, scalability, and innovation.

  • Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, UX, Architecture, Operations, AI/Analytics, Sales, Customer Success, Support, and Marketing to deliver high-impact product capabilities, successful launches, and strong customer adoption.

  • Translate customer needs, market trends, competitive insights, and product data into prioritized requirements for key workflows such as video playback, search, summarization, detection, evidence management, retention policies, and cloud archive functionality.

  • Drive measurable business and customer impact by establishing KPIs, supervising engagement and feature adoption, communicating roadmap direction to executive partners, and encouraging a collaborative, customer-centric PM culture.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

  • 10+ years of Product Management experience in enterprise software, SaaS, cloud platforms, video systems, security, or related technology domains.

  • 5+ years of people leadership experience, including directly leading, coaching, or mentoring Product Managers and supporting team performance, development, and execution.

  • 5+ years of demonstrated ability defining, building, and launching cloud-based software products or customer-facing features, including experience working with cloud architectures, APIs, distributed systems, or software development lifecycles.

  • 5+ years of experience partnering with engineering teams in agile development environments, including translating customer and business needs into product requirements, roadmap priorities, and release plans.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with video, security, smart camera, or intelligent spaces technologies, including one or more of the following: enterprise security, physical security, cloud video services, video playback, storage/archive, or related SaaS platforms.

  • Experience with AI/ML-powered product capabilities, such as video analytics, search, computer vision, summarization, detection, or other intelligent video experiences.

  • Understanding of cloud storage and video management workflows, including retention policies, evidence management, archiving, exporting, sharing, and leading video content.

  • Customer- and data-driven product approach, with experience using customer insights, usage metrics, and market feedback to advise roadmap decisions and improve product experiences.

  • Strong cross-functional leadership and execution skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, lead partners, prioritize sophisticated initiatives, and balance strategy with delivery.

  • Familiarity with Cisco technologies such as Cisco Meraki, Cisco Spaces, Webex, or related platforms, as well as an MBA or advanced technical degree.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:The starting salary range posted for this position is $191,400.00 to $281,400.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:

  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours ofunused sick timecarried forwardfrom one calendar yearto the next

  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and

  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$191,400.00 - $323,600.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$176,100.00 - $287,900.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.


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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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