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Sound Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nen Creative

Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Handle sound design and basic mix work, including music selection, SFX, and dialogue cleanup * Color grade footage to match the look and feel of each project. * Create simple motion graphics, lower ...

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Corporate Video Producer

Long Beach, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $95K/yr

Color Grading and Sound Design: You know your way around Adobe Premiere's Lumetri color system and can color correct and grade footage to give it a polished, professional and consistent look, while ...

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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 Aug 22, 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.

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 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.

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.

How to get a career in sound design?

To pursue a career in sound design, develop strong skills in audio editing, mixing, and recording using software like Pro Tools or Ableton Live. Obtain a relevant degree or certification, build a portfolio of projects, and gain experience through internships or freelance work to establish a professional network.

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.

What does a sound design do?

A sound designer creates and manipulates audio elements for various media such as film, television, video games, and theater. They use tools like digital audio workstations and sound libraries to develop sound effects, atmospheres, and audio cues that enhance the overall experience. The role often requires technical skills, creativity, and knowledge of acoustics and audio editing software.

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
Infographic showing various Sound Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,992 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Editor

Nen Creative

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Please submit your application through this posting only. We're unable to review applications sent via email, direct message, or website inquiry. SF (priority), NY, and LA-based applicants preferred.
About Nen Creative
Nen Creative partners with tech startups to bring bold ideas to life, creating the brands, products, and stories that fuel their growth. Since 2022, we've partnered with some of the world's top founders and institutions, including Amazon, Pear VC, Andreessen Horowitz, Mercor, Context Inc, Pylon, Listen Labs, Tech Week, Console, Mantis VC, Daydream, Flora, and more. We're growing fast and looking for great people to join us.
About the Opportunity
We're looking for a sharp, story-driven Editor to join our growing team. You'll cut a wide range of work across our roster of tech startup clients, from launch films and brand stories to product videos, social cutdowns, and event recaps. You'll partner closely with our directors and creative leads to take footage from raw to finished and shape the pacing, tone, and feel of each piece. You'll own the cut from selects through final delivery, working across multiple projects at any given time.
Responsibilities
  • Edit a wide variety of video content, primarily launch films/commercials, as well as product videos, testimonials, mini-docs, and social cutdowns.
  • Translate creative direction and scripts into compelling cuts that hit the intended tone, pacing, and story
  • Partner closely with directors and creative leads from selects through picture lock, iterating quickly on feedback
  • Handle sound design and basic mix work, including music selection, SFX, and dialogue cleanup
  • Color grade footage to match the look and feel of each project.
  • Create simple motion graphics, lower thirds, titles, and basic VFX as needed
  • Organize and maintain project files, media, and version control across multiple active projects
  • Manage your own timelines and flag risks early when scope, footage, or schedule shifts
  • Support delivery and asset prep for final handoff, including different cuts, aspect ratios, and platform specs
  • Stay current on editing trends, techniques, and tools that can elevate our work

What We're Looking For
  • Based in the Bay Area (preferred)
  • 3 to 5 years of experience preferred as an editor, ideally on commercial, brand, or documentary work
  • Strong reel that demonstrates story sensibility, pacing, and range across styles
  • Expert in Premiere Pro; comfortable in After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, or similar tools
  • Solid eye for color and ear for sound design and music
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and clean project management habits
  • Calm, proactive, and dependable on tight turnarounds
  • A clear communicator who takes feedback well and partners closely with directors
  • Takes ownership of the cut and pushes the work forward, not just executing notes

Why Join Nen
  • Be part of a small, fast-growing creative studio trusted by world-class startups and investors
  • Work directly with the partners and creative leadership on ambitious, high-impact projects
  • Cut a wide variety of work across founder-led brands, VC firms, and major tech companies
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), PTO, and company holidays
  • Salary range $65,000 to $100,000

Apply