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Sound Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Guthrie Theater

Lead Sound Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$31.63/hr

Position Summary The Lead Sound Engineer is responsible for executing and replicating the sound design for productions. This role serves as the lead console programmer and operator for Guthrie ...

Guthrie Theater

Lead Sound Engineer

Minneapolis, MN

$31.63/hr

Position Summary The Lead Sound Engineer is responsible for executing and replicating the sound design for productions. This role serves as the lead console programmer and operator for Guthrie ...

GUTHRIE THEATER

Lead Sound Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$31.63/hr

Position Summary The Lead Sound Engineer is responsible for executing and replicating the sound design for productions. This role serves as the lead console programmer and operator for Guthrie ...

System One

PCB Design Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

Apply sound design techniques for signal integrity, power integrity, EMI mitigation, grounding, and thermal considerations. * Generate complete fabrication and assembly documentation packages.

Geologics

Design Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$40 - $46.80/hr

Develops innovative concepts that satisfy functional and operational requirements for existing product lines and new product development programs by utilizing sound design principles and practices.

Geologics

Design Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$40 - $46.80/hr

Develops innovative concepts that satisfy functional and operational requirements for existing product lines and new product development programs by utilizing sound design principles and practices.

DEPT

Executive Director, Motion Design

New York, NY · On-site

Collaborate on music selection, sound design, and audio direction to enhance storytelling, reinforce brand expression, and elevate motion quality. * Contribute to creative reviews, pitches, and ...

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Sound Design information

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$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do sound design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound design in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 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.
More about Sound Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Sound Design jobs? Cities with the most Sound Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Design jobs? The most popular types of Sound Design jobs are:
What states have the most Sound Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Sound Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sound Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Design jobs are:
Sound Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

University Of Southern Mississippi rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

550th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
School of Performing and Visual Arts
Position Type
Faculty
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
No
Pay Grade
Generic Grade
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
We anticipatethe review of applications to begin December 1, 2025. This contract will beginAugust 1, 2026 and is a tenure-track position beginning in the Fall 2026-Spring2027 academic year.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
This 9-month, tenure-track faculty position instructs BAand BFA theatre students in Lighting and Sound Design and will design andmentor student designers for the Southern Miss Theatre Season. The Universityof Southern Mississippi is NAST accredited and includes BA and BFA programshoused in a fully equipped multi-theatre complex with shops. USM producesa 4-show mainstage season in theatre.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Serve as lighting and/orsound designer for a minimum of 2 productions a year and mentor lighting and soundfor all remaining Theatre productions during the academic year.
  2. Teachundergraduate coursework in Lighting and Sound Design.
  3. Teach in otherareas depending on faculty expertise.
  4. Advise Theatremajors.
  5. Engage in programand school recruitment and service activity.
  6. Stay engaged with the wider field with regard to current developments in lighting, sound, and theatrical electrics and best practices, including safety.
  7. Act as Master Electrician for the Theatre Program, supervising students in the electrics shops.
  8. Additional summer work with Southern Arena Theatre (SAT) may be available.
  9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsMFA intheatrical lighting or closely related area. At least one year teaching experience. Good collaborative skills.Ability to teach both lighting and sound design.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Ability to work collaboratively with faculty colleagues in design and performance and with technical staff.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Vectorworks and/or AutoCad, ETC light boards, (Ion XE, Ion, Element II), ETC dimmers. Intelligent lighting fixtures, LEDs.
  • Proficiency with Digital and Analog Sound Boards-Midas 32, etc.
  • Sound Software- Qlab, Editing software such as Audacity.
  • Live mixing for musicals.
  • Ability to mentor skilled and unskilled student labor in the electrics shop.
  • Ability to manage budget allocations and facilitate spending in compliance with University policies and procedures.
  • Experience setting clear performance expectations and providing meaningful feedback pertaining to safety and protocol for lighting for theatrical production.

Preferred QualificationsEnjoy working closely with students ofvarying abilities and skills.
Knowledge of projections forproductions.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

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