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Sound Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Genworth Financial

Multimedia Designer

Richmond, VA

POSITION TITLE Multimedia Designer POSITION LOCATION Richmond, VA YOUR ROLE The Brand Marketing ... sound, and b-roll as needed. * Motion Graphics Execution: Create motion graphics for posts, stories ...

Genworth

Multimedia Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

POSITION TITLE Multimedia Designer POSITION LOCATION Richmond, VA YOUR ROLE The Brand Marketing ... sound, and b-roll as needed. * Motion Graphics Execution: Create motion graphics for posts, stories ...

New

Gnw

Multimedia Designer

Richmond, VA

POSITION TITLE Multimedia Designer POSITION LOCATION Richmond, VA YOUR ROLE The Brand Marketing ... sound, and b-roll as needed. * Motion Graphics Execution: Create motion graphics for posts, stories ...

Steampunk

Instructional Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

As an Instructional Designer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive ... as exercise sound judgement with regards to sensitive and confidential information.

Steampunk

Instructional Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

Overview As an Instructional Designer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing ... sound judgement with regards to sensitive and confidential information. Contributions ...

Steampunk

Instructional Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

Overview As an Instructional Designer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing ... sound judgement with regards to sensitive and confidential information. Contributions ...

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All JobsSound Designer JobsSound Designer Jobs in Virginia

Sound Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$64.4K

$83.1K

$100.6K

How much do sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound designer in Virginia is $83,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $92,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get a job as a Sound Designer?

Securing a job as a Sound Designer can be competitive, often requiring a strong portfolio, proficiency with industry-standard software like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, and relevant experience or education. Building a network and gaining experience through internships or freelance work can improve employment prospects in this field.

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 is the salary of a Sound Designer?

The average salary of a Sound Designer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals working in film, video games, or advertising can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills and industry certifications.

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 are sound designers?

Sound designers are professionals who create, manipulate, and integrate audio elements for various media, such as films, video games, theater, and television. Their responsibilities include recording and editing sound effects, designing ambient sounds, and ensuring that audio enhances the overall experience of a project. Sound designers often work closely with directors, composers, and other production staff to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere. Their expertise contributes significantly to the emotional impact and realism of a production.

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.

Do sound designers get paid well?

Sound designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but they generally earn competitive wages. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals working in film, video games, or advertising can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills and advanced equipment knowledge.

What does a Sound Designer do?

A Sound Designer creates and manipulates audio elements for films, video games, theater, or other media. They select, record, and edit sounds, often using digital audio workstations and sound libraries, to enhance the overall experience and support storytelling. Strong technical skills and an understanding of acoustics are essential for this role.

What Is a Sound Designer Job?

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.

More about Sound Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Designer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Sound Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Sound Designer jobs in Virginia? For Sound Designer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sound Designer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sound Designer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Sound Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Sound Designer jobs in VA? For Sound Designer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Sound Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Designer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,114 per year, or $40 per hour.
Sound Assistant-Theatre Arts Productions

Sound Assistant-Theatre Arts Productions

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student worker will provide essential assistance to our sound designer/engineer, assisting in the setup and operation of audio equipment for various events and performances in the Theatre Arts Department
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Student will assist in setup and operation of audio equipment.
  • Student will help with organization and care of all audio supplies.
  • Student will assist in programming sound for theater productions.

Additional information may be found here
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience
Liberty University Student
Work Study Eligible
Basic understanding of audio equipment and its operation
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
  • Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving
  • Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities
  • Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
  • Required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
  • Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
  • Ability to lift heavy equipment as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled theaters. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.
Driving Requirements
No driving required.
Time Type
Part time
Location
Onsite
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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