ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sound Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

USC Gould School of Law

Sound Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Support sound design students and guest sound designers in implementing sound designs for School of Dramatic Arts productions * Oversee the operation and maintenance of SDA sound design laboratories ...

ARRISE

Game Designer

$158K/yr

Game artists, developers, mathematicians, sound technicians, product marketers, regulatory experts ... Collaborate with other game designers to provide gameplay feedback and recommendations for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSound Designer Jobs

Sound Designer information

See salary details

$65K

$83.8K

$101.5K

How much do sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound designer in the United States is $83,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 tools like Pro Tools or Ableton Live. It offers opportunities in film, video games, advertising, and theater, often involving project-based work and collaboration with creative teams.

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.

How to become a Sound Designer?

To become a sound designer, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in audio engineering, sound design, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio of work, and developing skills with industry-standard software like Pro Tools or Ableton Live are essential steps. Continuous learning and networking within the industry also help advance a career in sound design.

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 various media, including films, video games, and theater productions. They use specialized software and equipment to develop sound effects, atmospheres, and audio cues that enhance the overall experience. Strong listening skills, creativity, and knowledge of audio editing tools 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 cities are hiring for Sound Designer jobs? Cities with the most Sound Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Designer jobs? The most popular types of Sound Designer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Sound Designer jobs? The top employers for Sound Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Sound Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Sound Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sound Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Designer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Sound Designer jobs? For Sound Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Sound Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $83,833 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Robotics Coach

Robotics Coach

Seymour Community Schools

Seymour, IN

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Pit Conductor Assistant Director
Technical Director
Sound Designer/Operator
Choreographer
Set Designer/Manager





Apply