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Sound Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Roblox

Sound Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

The Sound Designer role involves working with engineers, product managers, and product designers to build the next generation of sound design tools and underlying engine APIs to support the developer ...

USC Gould School of Law

Sound Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Sound Design and Sound Operations Manager , the Sound Supervisor will oversee sound design laboratories, support the implementation of sound designs for productions ...

Absurd Ventures

Principal Sound Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Create exceptional and immersive sound design using both commercial and proprietary tools, software, and source material. * Work closely with the Audio Director to help define and execute the project ...

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All JobsSound Design JobsSound Design Jobs in California

Sound Design information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do sound design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound design in California is $112,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a sound designer typically collaborate with directors and other production team members during a project?

Sound designers work closely with directors, producers, and editors to achieve the desired audio experience for a project. Early in the process, they participate in creative discussions to understand the director’s vision and story requirements. Throughout production, sound designers often attend meetings, provide sample soundscapes, and adjust their work based on feedback from the team. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as sound designers must adapt their creations to fit evolving project needs and technical constraints.

What is the difference between Sound Design vs Audio Editing?

AspectSound DesignAudio Editing
Primary FocusCreating and manipulating sounds for mediaEditing and assembling audio recordings
Skills & ToolsSound synthesis, Foley, DAWs, creative sound manipulationCutting, splicing, leveling, noise reduction
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, video games, advertisingPost-production, broadcasting, film editing
CredentialsAudio production, sound design courses, experience with DAWsAudio engineering, editing software proficiency

Sound Design involves creating and shaping sounds to enhance media, while Audio Editing focuses on refining and assembling existing recordings. Both roles require familiarity with digital audio workstations and audio production skills, but they serve different creative and technical purposes within the media industry.

What does a Sound Designer do?

A Sound Designer creates and manipulates audio elements for various media, including films, video games, and theater productions. They use tools like digital audio workstations (DAWs) to develop sound effects, atmospheres, and audio cues that enhance the overall experience. Strong technical skills and knowledge of acoustics are essential for this role.

What is sound design?

Sound design is the process of creating, recording, manipulating, and mixing audio elements for various media, such as film, television, video games, theater, and music production. Sound designers are responsible for crafting everything from ambient background noises to specific sound effects that enhance the audience's experience. Their work can involve recording real-world sounds, synthesizing new ones, and editing audio to fit a project's needs. Sound design is essential for building atmosphere, conveying moods, and supporting storytelling in audiovisual productions.

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

To thrive as a Sound Designer, you need a deep understanding of audio engineering, acoustics, and creative sound creation, often supported by a degree in audio production or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Ableton Live, as well as experience with sound libraries and audio editing software, is essential. Strong collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail set exceptional sound designers apart. These skills ensure the creation of immersive and high-quality audio experiences that enhance storytelling across various media.

How much can sound designers make?

Sound designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but entry-level positions typically start around $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Experienced sound designers working in film, video games, or advertising can earn $70,000 to over $100,000 per year, especially with specialized skills in audio editing, mixing, and the use of tools like Pro Tools or Logic Pro.

Is sound design a good career?

Sound design is a viable career for those with strong audio editing, mixing, and technical skills, often requiring proficiency with digital audio workstations and sound editing software. It offers opportunities in film, television, video games, and theater, with job stability depending on industry demand and experience level.

How hard is it to get a job as a Sound Designer?

Securing a job as a Sound Designer can be competitive and typically requires a strong portfolio, proficiency with industry-standard software like Pro Tools or Ableton, and relevant experience or education. Entry points often include internships or freelance work, and networking within the industry can improve job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Sound Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Sound Design jobs in California? For Sound Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sound Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sound Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Sound Design job openings:
Sound Design jobs near you
Sound Designer

Sound Designer

Roblox

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About the role:

The Sound Designer role involves working with engineers, product managers, and product designers to build the next generation of sound design tools and underlying engine APIs to support the developer community. You will be instrumental in informing the direction and priorities of these tools, including integration opportunities across Roblox Studio. Additionally, you will engage with AAA partners through education and co-development to enable their games on the platform, and you will build content for major public brand releases, app updates, and internal projects.

You will:

  • Partner with engineers and product managers in the development of new audio systems, providing expert insight to guide prioritization and validate creator assumptions
  • Create sound assets for internal and external facing projects, AAA partnerships, to support exploration of new features and push forward the quality of the brand
  • Be a subject matter expert in sound design for game creation, including user-centered technologies.
  • Evaluate our internal workflows to develop a POV on areas of critical investment; bring knowledge of industry best practices to the team
  • Partner with our community engagement and documentation teams to build tutorials and sample content
  • Engage with external creators to advise on best practices and surface opportunities to further improve workflows

You have:

  • 6+ years experience in the game industry, worked on titles on multiple platforms (mobile a plus)
  • Knowledge: Strong understanding of modern real-time engines, a variety of tools (including Reaper, FMod, etc), and complex asset management systems
  • Demonstrable expertise in a wide range of sound design scenarios and device types
  • Technical Toolbelt: Builds examples or demonstrates complex concepts in Studio or other engines
  • Strong emphasis creative problem solving, communication, and collaboration skills
  • Deep awareness of both industry common practices and experience with Roblox Studio's sound design systems
  • Ability to envision extensible and efficient methods for sound creation in a game environment

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