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Sound Designer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Revit Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Job Title: Revit Designer (Architectural BIM Specialist) Role Overview We are seeking a ... Exercise sound judgment and proactive problem-solving skills, collaborating with senior team ...

Graphic Designer

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Description The Senior Graphic Designer develops clear, compelling visual communications for a ... Competencies Visual communication and attention to detail Creative problem-solving and sound design ...

Graphic Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

Own creative tasks end-to-end, balancing strategic intent with design craft and making sound ... Ensure designs adhere to best practices for web, email, and accessibility while optimizing for ...

Own creative tasks end-to-end, balancing strategic intent with design craft and making sound ... Ensure designs adhere to best practices for web, email, and accessibility while optimizing for ...

Graphic Designer

Tualatin, OR · Hybrid

$35 - $50/hr

Description The Senior Graphic Designer develops clear, compelling visual communications for a ... sound design judgment • Planning, prioritization, and reliable project execution • ...

Graphic Designer

Tualatin, OR · Hybrid

$35 - $50/hr

Description The Senior Graphic Designer develops clear, compelling visual communications for a ... sound design judgment • Planning, prioritization, and reliable project execution • ...

Creates designs for all assigned jobs based on the plan and quote specifications provided by the ... Demonstrate sound judgment in dealing with sensitive business matters with internal and external ...

Fire Protection Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$32.84 - $52.30/hr

Does that sound like you? The Opportunity with McKinstry We are adding a Fire Protection Designer II to our growing Fire Protection division in Portland, OR. In this role, you will be responsible for:

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Sound Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$68.9K

$88.9K

$107.6K

How much do sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound designer in Portland, OR is $88,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $98,600.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Sound Designer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What job categories do people searching Sound Designer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Sound Designer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Sound Designer jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Sound Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Sound Designer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,905 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description


Title: Graphic Designer
Duration: 4 Months - Possible Extension
Location: Portland, OR - Hybrid 1 day a week on site.
Key Responsibilities
  • Executes creative projectsfrom concept to completion and provides highest-quality work with carefulattention to detail and timeline; prioritizes tasks; ensures projectsconform to companys strategic direction, products, processes, customers andoverall marketplace.
  • Develop collateral andmaterial for a full range of assignments/projects or direct others to doso; maintains consistent brand standards; stays abreast of and appliescreative trends.
  • Collaborates with clients andcommunications teams to assess project requirements, objectives andcreative direction; determines appropriate visual, content and animatedelements of projects; assesses time requirements for each task andcollaborates with team to establish appropriate project time line.
  • Coordinates with internalstaff and with vendors (e.g., graphic designers, art directors, copywriters, photographers and printers) on assignments/projects.
  • Ensures every communicationproduct for customers delivers on our brand promise.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)
Functional Competencies
  • Intermediate knowledge of andskill in applying graphic design, content and audio/visual principles,standards, techniques, and methodologies and brand guidelines
  • Intermediate knowledge ofuser interface design and digital graphics
  • Intermediate knowledge ofdesign software
  • Advanced knowledge of printand digital production and archiving best practices
  • Intermediate computer skillsin systems used in department
  • Intermediate skills indeveloping and maintaining systems for file naming, organization andarchiving

General Competencies
  • Intermediate analyticalthinking skills
  • Intermediate conflictmanagement skills
  • Intermediate influence skills
  • Intermediate negotiationskills
  • Intermediate organization andprioritization skills
  • Intermediate problem-solvingskills
  • Intermediate projectmanagement skills
  • Intermediate written and oralcommunication skills

Requirements
REQUIREMENTS
  • 3-6 years' experience ingraphic design.
  • Education Requirements(Experience in Lieu of Degree): BA in Graphic design or 5 years'experience
  • Is utilities experiencerequired? (Y/N): No
  • Ability to absorb complextopics and help partners tell effective and compelling stories throughsimple visual representations
  • Proficient with AdobeCreative Suite (particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), MS Office(particularly PPT)
  • Working knowledge of Figma orXD
  • Experience developingcorporate reports and presentations
  • Self-starter, comfortableasking questions until complete understanding is achieved.

Top 3 Nice-To-Haves (Hard and/or Soft Skills)
  • Experience with Creatopy,Ceros, Canva
  • Comfortable with ambiguity,sound judgement when to escalate for certainty.
  • Proficient in Spanish