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Sound Design Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ritchie Bros.

Staff Software Engineer

Westchester, IL · On-site

... sound design practices (timeouts, retries, idempotency, and graceful degradation) • Establish and enforce engineering standards for code quality, testing, and maintainability • Embed ...

Ritchie Bros.

Staff Software Engineer

Westchester, IL · On-site

... sound design practices (timeouts, retries, idempotency, and graceful degradation) • Establish and enforce engineering standards for code quality, testing, and maintainability • Embed ...

Stratus

Graphic Designer

Rolling Meadows, IL · Remote

$24 - $27/hr

Provide support in design by offering fresh, creative and sound design solutions. Responsibilities * Receive and review design requests submitted by Sales Team, Program Managers, and Service ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$68K - $80K/yr

Design and modify components and assemblies using SolidWorks * Create detailed 2D drawings with ... Great Stability - Established and financially sound organization * Well-Tenured Leadership - Strong ...

Varsity Tutors

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 ...

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All JobsSound Design JobsSound Design Jobs in Elgin, IL

Sound Design information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$41.5K

$113.2K

$199.2K

How much do sound design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound design in Elgin, IL is $113,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $142,300.00 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 popular job titles related to Sound Design jobs in Elgin, IL? For Sound Design jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sound Design jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Design jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Sound Design jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Sound Design job openings:
Sound Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Design job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,176 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Part-time Lecturer in Sound Design

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 18 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

153rd of 614 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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