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Sound Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Designer

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Designer Offered By: Open Plan Systems 4700 Deepwater Terminal Rd. Richmond, VA 23234 Company ... Able to learn quickly, think independently and make sound decisions. * Experience with AutoCAD

Designer Offered By: Open Plan Systems 4700 Deepwater Terminal Rd. Richmond, VA 23234 Company ... Able to learn quickly, think independently and make sound decisions. * Experience with AutoCAD

Designer - Structural Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group (QISG) is a rapidly growing ... A successful candidate is able to utilize sound judgement, information collected by themselves or ...

Instructional Designer

Tysons, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

Instructional Designer Position Summary The Instructional Design Specialist evaluates, updates ... sound course materials aligned with FDA requirements, Regulatory and Laboratory Training System ...

New

Instructional Designer IV

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

The Senior Instructional Designer supporting MISTC Curriculum Development & Management Services ... sound, technically accurate, and operationally relevant. By maintaining rigorous curriculum ...

Instructional Designer IV

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

The Senior Instructional Designer supporting MISTC Curriculum Development & Management Services ... sound, technically accurate, and operationally relevant. By maintaining rigorous curriculum ...

Instructional Designer IV

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

The Senior Instructional Designer supporting MISTC Curriculum Development & Management Services ... sound, technically accurate, and operationally relevant. By maintaining rigorous curriculum ...

Experience designing for Accessibility (WCAG 2.x AA/AAA.) Does that sound like you? Apply now by clicking the link below! Click this link to learn more about our SaaS platform: Benefits In addition ...

Experience designing for Accessibility (WCAG 2.x AA/AAA.) Does that sound like you? Apply now by clicking the link below! Click this link to learn more about our SaaS platform: Benefits In addition ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sound Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$64.4K

$83.1K

$100.6K

How much do sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 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.

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.

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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Sound Designer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Sound Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Sound Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,114 per year, or $40 per hour.

Sound Assistant-Theatre Arts Productions

Liberty

Lynchburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$12.77/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


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 CREDENTIALSEducation 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 JOBCommunication 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 CONDITIONSWork 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

Pay Rate

Starting at $12.77


Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.

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.