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Sound Designer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Baltimore Aircoil Company

BAC Advanced Designer

Jessup, MD · Hybrid

$27.54 - $41.30/hr

These designs must keep manufacturability, cost and speed to market in mind while maintaining the ... sound design criteria and decisions. * Ability to load/Edit data in MRP Systems such as SAP or ...

Baltimore Aircoil Company

BAC Advanced Designer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$27.54 - $41.30/hr

These designs must keep manufacturability, cost and speed to market in mind while maintaining the ... sound design criteria and decisions. * Ability to load/Edit data in MRP Systems such as SAP or ...

NJI Media LLC

Designer

Washington, DC

We welcome designers at any level, and we'll calibrate the role and scope to match your experience ... sound counsel. * Process-Guru: You have a track record, or a clear point of view, on scaling and ...

NJI Media LLC

Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

We welcome designers at any level, and we'll calibrate the role and scope to match your experience ... sound counsel. * Process-Guru: You have a track record, or a clear point of view, on scaling and ...

AECOM

Interior Designer III

Washington, DC · On-site

Exercises sound judgment in assessing problem situations or complex design issues, and uses ... Prepares designs and drawings using project specifications and discipline-associated written and ...

PerformYard

Product UI/UX Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

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 ...

AECOM

Interior Designer III

Washington, DC

Exercises sound judgment in assessing problem situations or complex design issues, and uses ... Prepares designs and drawings using project specifications and discipline-associated written and ...

PerformYard

Product UI/UX Designer

Arlington, VA · Remote

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 ...

Actalent

Electrical Designer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

Electrical Designer Join a dynamic consulting engineering firm based in Fairfax, Virginia ... Develop systems design and AV sound design. * Collaborate on school system projects, with ...

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All JobsSound Designer JobsSound Designer Jobs in Washington, DC

Sound Designer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$73.3K

$94.6K

$114.5K

How much do sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound designer in Washington, DC is $94,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $104,900.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Sound Designer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Sound Designer jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Sound Designer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Sound Designer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Sound Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Designer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,592 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Contract Producer/Production Manager

theatreWashington

Washington, DC • On-site

$76.17 - $91.23/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

$7500, paid in six monthly installments of $1,250

Seeking an experienced Washington, DC–based theatre producer or production manager to work on a six-month contract to help bring a one-actor comedy, The Jeane Dixon Effect, to a three- to four-week professional run in Washington.

The producer will work closely with the playwright throughout the planning process and should have strong knowledge of the Washington theatre community.

Responsibilities include:

  • Advising on and helping secure an appropriate DC venue
  • Assisting in the selection of a director
  • Coordinating the casting process with the playwright and director
  • Assemble production team (lighting/sound designer, stage manager, etc.)
  • Developing and overseeing the production schedule
  • Recommending and implementing a ticketing platform and managing ticket sales
  • Coordinating production logistics leading up to opening
  • Serving as the primary local producer and point of contact for the production team

Ideal candidates will have experience producing professional theatre in the Washington area, established relationships with local venues and artists, and excellent organizational and communication skills.

This is an independent contractor position beginning this summer and continuing for approximately six months, with workload increasing as rehearsals and performances approach.

Additional compensation during the run itself, subject to mutual agreement.

Interested candidates should send a résumé and a brief description of productions they have produced or managed in the Washington area to joe@josephrodota.com

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