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Sound Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

AbbVie

Principal Engineer

North Chicago, IL · On-site

Mitigates risk within functions through sound design, early risk assessments and implementation of fallback strategies. * Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies ...

AbbVie

Principal Engineer

North Chicago, IL · On-site

Mitigates risk within functions through sound design, early risk assessments and implementation of fallback strategies. * Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies ...

AbbVie

Principal Engineer

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K/yr

Mitigates risk within functions through sound design, early risk assessments and implementation of fallback strategies. * Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies ...

AbbVie

Project Engineer

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K/yr

Mitigates risk within functions through sound design, early risk assessments and implementation of fallback strategies. * Identifies, plans, and conducts medium- to large-size projects within ...

AbbVie

Project Engineer

North Chicago, IL · On-site

Mitigates risk within functions through sound design, early risk assessments and implementation of fallback strategies. * Identifies, plans, and conducts medium- to large-size projects within ...

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All JobsSound Design JobsSound Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sound Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.3K

$117.9K

$207.6K

How much do sound design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound design in Chicago, IL is $117,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $148,300.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Sound Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Sound Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Sound Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sound Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Sound Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Sound Design jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Sound Design job openings:

Sound Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,942 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Part-time Lecturer in Sound Design

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Theater and Performance Studies program at the University of Chicago invites applications for part-time Lecturers.
The selected candidate will have part-time teaching opportunities in the Theater and Performance Studies program, in the area of Sound Design. Responsibilities include preparing and teaching seminar- or workshop-style courses, holding regularly scheduled office hours, and preparing and grading of assignments and testing materials. Depending on the curricular needs of the program, the successful candidate may teach between one and two courses per academic year.
The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and Service Employees International Union. The per-course salary for academic year 2026-27 will be at least $9,193. This position is not benefits eligible.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in Theater, Design, or a related discipline; a master's degree or Ph.D. is strongly preferred. Applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional experience.
Application Instructions
Applications must include:
  • Current CV
  • Cover letter that addresses professional and teaching experience
  • Sample syllabi
  • The names and contact information of three references whose recommendation letters may be solicited

Optional materials:
  • Course evaluations, if available

The materials listed above must be submitted through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruitment site at the following link: apply.interfolio.com/186728. Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials following initial review.
In the event that a teaching opportunity becomes available, we will contact applicants with the academic training and experience most appropriate for our available classes. This posting will expire on March 31, 2027. This position is contingent upon budgetary approval. Only complete applications will be considered. For more information about this position, please contact Vicki Walden, Theater & Performance Studies, vwalden@uchicago.edu.

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