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Sound Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Prisms VR

Sound Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

OUR MISSION Prisms VR is a San Francisco-based team of educators, game developers, and engineers ... THE JOB Interactive Sound Designer Prisms seeks a developer with enterprise experience to build ...

AEG

Music Coordinator (Part-Time)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Bachelor's degree in audio/sound engineering or equivalent experience a plus * 5-7 years' experience as sound engineer a plus * Extensive knowledge of various musical genres, music trends, and ...

Prisms VR

Sound Designer (Remote)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$21 - $25.50/hr

OUR MISSION Prisms VR is a San Francisco-based team of educators, game developers, and engineers ... THE JOB Interactive Sound Designer Prisms seeks a developer with enterprise experience to build ...

Clera

Founding Product Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Experience making sound engineering trade-offs and architecture decisions under time pressure. * Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to thrive with minimal process. * Strong product instincts ...

Clera

Founding Product Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Experience making sound engineering trade-offs and architecture decisions under time pressure. * Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to thrive with minimal process. * Strong product instincts ...

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All JobsSound Engineer JobsSound Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Sound Engineer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$36.1K

$103.4K

$210K

How much do sound engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound engineer in Berkeley, CA is $103,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $138,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sound engineer do?

A Sound Engineer is responsible for capturing, mixing, and manipulating audio to achieve the desired sound quality for various projects such as music recordings, live events, films, or television. Their tasks can include setting up microphones, operating mixing consoles, editing audio tracks, and ensuring optimal acoustics. Sound Engineers work closely with producers, musicians, and other technical staff to create a polished final product. They play a crucial role in both the technical and creative aspects of audio production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sound engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sound Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio theory, acoustics, and recording techniques, often supported by a degree or certification in audio engineering or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, as well as expertise in mixing consoles and microphones, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills set outstanding sound engineers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality audio experiences and collaborating effectively with artists and production teams.

What are some common challenges sound engineers face when working on live events, and how can they prepare for them?

Sound Engineers working on live events often encounter challenges such as unexpected technical issues, fluctuating acoustics, and last-minute changes from performers or event organizers. To prepare, it's important to conduct thorough sound checks, have backup equipment readily available, and maintain clear communication with the production team. Flexibility and quick problem-solving skills are essential, as live environments can be unpredictable. Building strong relationships with performers and colleagues also helps ensure smooth coordination during high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Sound Engineer vs Audio Technician?

AspectSound EngineerAudio Technician
CredentialsRelevant audio engineering certifications, technical trainingTechnical training, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live events, film setsBroadcast stations, live events, production facilities
Industry UsageMusic, film, TV, live soundBroadcast, event production, AV support
Job FocusDesigning, mixing, and producing soundSetting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting audio equipment

While both roles involve working with audio equipment, a Sound Engineer primarily focuses on designing, mixing, and producing sound for various media, whereas an Audio Technician handles the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of audio systems. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and responsibilities within the audio production process.

Are sound engineers in high demand?

Sound engineers are in moderate demand, especially in the entertainment, live events, and recording industries. Employment opportunities can vary based on location, industry growth, and the level of technical skills and certifications possessed by the individual.

What jobs can a sound engineer do?

A sound engineer can work in various roles such as live sound technician, recording engineer, mixing engineer, broadcast engineer, or audio post-production specialist. They operate and maintain audio equipment, set up sound systems, and ensure high-quality sound for concerts, recordings, films, and broadcasts, often requiring knowledge of digital audio workstations and certifications in audio technology.
More about Sound Engineer jobs

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For Sound Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sound Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sound Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Sound Engineer jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Sound Engineer job openings:

Sound Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Engineer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,411 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Sound Designer

Prisms VR

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

OUR MISSION
Prisms VR is a San Francisco-based team of educators, game developers, and engineers transforming K12 STEM education through experiential real-world problem-solving powered by the next generation of spatial computing. We utilize adaptive Virtual Reality (VR) to engage, inspire, and open pathways to creative problem-solving to rapidly improve engagement and proficiencies in Math and Science across our country and beyond. Our mission is to break down barriers to access and build STEM proficiencies at scale for all students, worldwide.
THE JOB
Interactive Sound Designer
JOB DESCRIPTION
Prisms seeks a developer with enterprise experience to build immersive learning experiences for mobile VR platforms using the Unity framework. Your main task will be to create scalable and reliable tools and systems to aid in the development of immersive learning experiences. You will also lead the development of core systems and make architectural decisions to be executed by other team members. We require a strong commitment to collaborative problem-solving, sophisticated design, and delivering a high-quality product.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design and produce original sound assets that align with educational objectives and elevate the immersive VR experience.
  • Implement and integrate sound assets directly into the Unity game engine, ensuring seamless audio-visual interaction
  • Create rich and immersive spatial audio soundscape for virtual reality environments.
  • Collaborate with educational content designers and developers to create sound schemes that support pedagogical goals.
  • Create dynamic audio assets that enhance learning in interactive experiences.
  • Conduct user testing and iteration to refine sound design for clarity and effectiveness in an educational context.
  • Innovate and adapt sound design techniques to suit evolving VR technologies and educational methodologies.
  • Maintain a comprehensive asset library for use in current and future projects.
  • Provide audio support for ongoing development and maintenance of VR applications.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Proven experience in sound design, preferably within interactive or gaming environments.
  • Strong understanding of Unity and its audio implementation processes.
  • Familiarity with educational sound design principles and the importance of sound in learning environments.
  • Ability to create a wide range of audio from ambient soundscapes to dynamic interactive audio assets.
  • Experience with audio recording, editing, and mixing tools.
  • Basic knowledge of C# programming is a plus but not mandatory.
  • A strong portfolio showcasing relevant sound design work.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
  • Passion for transforming education through innovative technology and immersive experiences.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY WORKPLACE
Prisms is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing an equitable and inclusive work environment that ensures that all applicants and team members are treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate any type of discrimination or harassment directed at any applicant or employee because of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, veteran, family, or parental status, or any other protected group characteristic. This equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

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