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Sound Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sturdy

Spatial Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Partner with fabricators, vendors, and stage-build teams to ensure designs are structurally sound, safe, and executable within scope. * Produce technical drawings and specifications (CAD or hand ...

US IT Solutions Inc

UX Designer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

... Sound Transit, LA Superior Courts, District of Columbia, UMAS, University of Central Florida and Hennepin County and many more. Description: We are looking to fill a position for UX Designer in ...

US IT Solutions Inc

Graphic Designer

Sacramento, CA

... Sound Transit, LA Superior Courts, District of Columbia, UMAS, University of Central Florida and Hennepin County and many more. Requirements Proven experience as a graphic designer Thorough ...

Masimo

Senior Visual Designer - Mobile Apps

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$120/hr

The designer will primarily work on the HEOS and Bowers & Wilkins Music apps, with additional ... Each brand boasts its own philosophy and unique approach to bringing sound and home entertainment ...

MWA Architects Inc

Designer 2

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Our collaborative team designs sustainable, resilient, and beautiful facilities for the water ... Demonstrate increasing technical proficiency, sound judgment, and attention to detail * Contribute ...

Pivot

Sr. Designer

San Francisco, CA

$111K/yr

... sound decisions in short timeframes with appropriate action. * Mentor and train design team members ... Must be a certified Interior Designer or working toward certification, or equivalent. * Active ...

Coordinated Resources Inc

Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $122K/yr

About the Role: As a CRI Designer, you will turn strategy and intent into precise, orderable ... Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment in business transactions. * A passion ...

Coordinated Resources Inc

Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the Role: As a CRI Designer, you will turn strategy and intent into precise, orderable ... Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment in business transactions. * A passion ...

Pivot Interiors, Inc.

Sr. Designer

San Jose, CA

$118K - $126K/yr

... sound decisions in short timeframes with appropriate action. * Mentor and train design team members ... Must be a certified Interior Designer or working toward certification, or equivalent. * Active ...

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All JobsSound Designer JobsSound Designer Jobs in California

Sound Designer information

See California salary details

$64.1K

$82.7K

$100.2K

How much do sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound designer in California is $82,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sound designer?

A sound designer works to create and assemble sound effects for a video or audio production. Depending on the medium, you may produce a variety of different audio clips. You typically work closely with the director and other sound technicians to ensure all the audio comes together in a cohesive way and supports the creative goals of the production. As a sound designer, you may source special effects from third parties or find ways to create and record them yourself.

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 strong background in audio engineering, acoustics, and music theory, often supported by a relevant degree or professional training. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and industry-standard sound libraries is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication enable standout collaboration with directors and production teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing immersive and high-quality soundscapes that enhance the overall impact of media projects.

What are some common challenges sound designers face when collaborating with other departments on a project?

Sound Designers often collaborate closely with directors, game developers, or video editors, which can present challenges such as aligning creative vision and managing feedback from multiple stakeholders. Balancing technical constraints, like file formats or hardware limitations, with artistic goals is a frequent hurdle. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as last-minute script changes or edits may require rapid sound adjustments. Building strong relationships with other departments helps ensure the final audio fits seamlessly into the overall project.

What is the difference between Sound Designer vs Sound Editor?

AspectSound DesignerSound Editor
CredentialsTypically holds a degree in audio production, sound design, or related fieldOften has similar educational background, sometimes with additional editing certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in film, video games, advertising, and multimedia projects, creating original soundscapesPrimarily works in post-production, editing and assembling sound recordings
Industry UsageUsed across entertainment, media, and advertising industriesCommonly employed in film, TV, and video game post-production

While both roles involve working with audio, a Sound Designer creates original sound elements and atmospheres, whereas a Sound Editor focuses on editing and assembling existing audio recordings. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.

How much money do sound designers make?

Sound designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Those working in film, video games, or advertising may have higher earning potential, especially with specialized skills and advanced equipment knowledge.

Is sound design a good career?

Sound design is a viable career for those interested in audio production, requiring skills in audio editing, mixing, and familiarity with software like Pro Tools or Ableton. It offers opportunities in film, video games, advertising, and theater, often involving project-based work and collaboration with creative teams.
More about Sound Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Designer jobs in California?

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For Sound Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sound Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Sound Designer jobs in California are:

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What are popular job titles related to Sound Designer jobs in CA?

For Sound Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sound Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,735 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Spatial Designer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Sturdy
See more jobs at Sturdyexternal

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About STURDY.
STURDY. is a multidisciplinary creative studio specializing in the innovation of visual storytelling, and building experiences for world class artists and brands.
[Position Title & Brief Description]
We are currently looking for a Spatial Designer to help shape the physical and spatial experience of our live events and brand experiential projects. This role is ideal for someone who thinks in three dimensions, understands how audiences move through and experience space, and can translate creative concepts into buildable, functional environments.
Reporting to the Creative Director, the Spatial Designer works closely with Creative, Production, and Fabrication teams to design stages, environments, and experiential installations that are both conceptually strong and physically realizable, accounting for venue constraints, structural feasibility, and budget from the earliest stages of design.
This role spans both live events (concerts, tours, activations, stage design) and brand experiential projects (pop-ups, installations, brand environments), and requires a working knowledge of stage building, fabrication methods, rigging, and venue logistics.
[JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ]
  • Design spatial layouts, stage configurations, and environments for live events and brand experiential projects, from concept through execution.
  • Translate creative and brand concepts into functional, buildable spatial designs, including floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings.
  • Evaluate venue limitations early in the design process, including load-in/load-out access, ceiling heights, rigging points, power capacity, sightlines, egress, and ADA compliance.
  • Collaborate with Creative Directors, Art Directors, Producers, and Production teams to ensure designs align with the creative vision, budget, and production timeline.
  • Partner with fabricators, vendors, and stage-build teams to ensure designs are structurally sound, safe, and executable within scope.
  • Produce technical drawings and specifications (CAD or hand-drafted) to support fabrication, vendor bidding, and on-site build.
  • Contribute to material selection, finish specification, and spatial detailing that supports both aesthetic and budgetary goals.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of stage-building methods, rigging capabilities, and venue standards across a range of event and experiential spaces.

[SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ]
  • Strong spatial and 3D design sensibility, with an understanding of how audiences move through and experience physical environments.
  • Hands-on experience with stage building, fabrication, or scenic construction.
  • Familiarity with venue logistics and limitations, including rigging, load capacities, power, and life-safety requirements.
  • Experience designing for both live events (concerts, tours, activations) and brand experiential projects (pop-ups, installations, environments).
  • Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, or similar)
  • Working knowledge of 3D modeling and rendering tools (SketchUp, Rhino, or similar)
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with Creative, Production, and Fabrication teams.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and comfort adapting designs on the fly during build and installation.
  • Comfortable working extended hours and weekends during peak production periods.
  • Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally when required.

[QUALIFICATIONS]
  • 3-5+ years of experience in spatial design, scenic design, stage design, or experiential design, within live events, entertainment, or brand experience environments.
  • Local candidates to the Los Angeles area preferred.
  • Demonstrated portfolio of spatial or environmental design work, including stage builds and/or experiential installations.
  • Experience working directly with fabricators, vendors, and production teams from design through build.
  • Understanding of structural basics, rigging fundamentals, and venue/production logistics.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., architecture, industrial design, scenic design, interior design) preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
  • Valid driver's license and comfort handling site visits, load-ins, and on-site production support as needed.

The pay range for this role is:
95,000 - 125,000 USD per year (STURDY. Co HQ)

Apply