1

Sound Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Design Engineer Level 2 to join our team. This unique position provides support to ... Ability to work with limited supervision and exercise sound judgment.WORK ENVIRONMENT ...

You will combine strong design skills, motion expertise, and storytelling capabilities to deliver visually compelling work that is strategically effective, technically sound, and aligned with brand ...

Researches and pre-screens production partners including Directors, Production Companies, Music, Sound Design, Editorial, Motion Graphics, Animation, Experiential and other resources as needed.

Improve system performance, resilience, and fault tolerance through sound design practices (timeouts, retries, idempotency, and graceful degradation). * Establish and enforce engineering standards ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of cinematography, screenwriting, directing, editing, sound design, lighting techniques, camera operation, pre-production planning, and post-production workflows. Ability to explain ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of cinematography, screenwriting, directing, editing, sound design, lighting techniques, camera operation, pre-production planning, and post-production workflows. Ability to explain ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of cinematography, screenwriting, directing, editing, sound design, lighting techniques, camera operation, pre-production planning, and post-production workflows. Ability to explain ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of cinematography, screenwriting, directing, editing, sound design, lighting techniques, camera operation, pre-production planning, and post-production workflows. Ability to explain ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of cinematography, screenwriting, directing, editing, sound design, lighting techniques, camera operation, pre-production planning, and post-production workflows. Ability to explain ...

On-going research and pre-screening of production partners including Directors, Production Companies, Music, Sound Design, Editorial, Motion Graphics, Animation, Experiential and other resources as ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Design Engineer

Peralte-Clark,LLC

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Design Engineer Level 2 to join our team. This unique position provides support to project managers and blends engineering with project management and oversight responsibilities. It is a vital extension of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) – District 1 staff, and involves coordinating with numerous teams that are designing the rebuild of mainline Interstate 290 and various overhead bridges between Mannheim Road and Racine Avenue. This 3-year assignment offers unparallelled visibility with IDOT leadership, all while gaining experience in design coordination, stakeholder alignment, and large-scale corridor management. This position is full-time and will typically report in-person to the Illinois Department of Transportation District 1 office in Schaumburg, Illinois. KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESCoordinate the review of plans, construction sequencing, traffic management, environmental studies, permitting, utility relocations, land acquisition, and geotechnical reporting.Track submittals and maintain consistent project documentation.Facilitate coordination with internal/external stakeholders through meetings and information sharing platforms.Provide ongoing project updates and perform additional support tasks as needed to ensure successful project outcomes.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS1 to 4 years of related engineering experience.Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required; EIT certificate is preferred.Ability to coordinate as well as track multiple project tasks and submittals.Familiarity with Phase II Design engineering services.Proficiency in MicroStation.Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills.Ability to work with limited supervision and exercise sound judgment.WORK ENVIRONMENT & SUPERVISIONYou will typically work independently and receive general instructions for new assignments. Collaboration and coordination with internal teams as well as external consultants are key aspects of the role.