1

Sound Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sound Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$32.01/hr

Sound Technician Reports To: Sound Supervisor Reporting Staff: None FLSA Classification: Full-Time Non-Exempt Pay Range: IATSE Local 2 CBA $32.01 per/hour; annualized $66,580.80 POSITION OVERVIEW ...

The Hangout is looking for a hard-working sound engineer who has a passion for live entertainment and is skilled in its technical elements. This individual will help assist with load-in and load-out ...

We are looking for a sound technician for our simultaneous interpretation conferences. There might be multiple locations, so we will reach out to you for the ones near by. Responsibilities: 1. ...

Be Seen First

Media Coordinator (Sound) -First Baptist Church of South Richmond. (Onsite position, 1 church two locations) Part-time 15-20 hours per week Overview Seeking experience and proven track record of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sound Technician information

See salary details

$5

$19

$25

How much do sound technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for sound technician in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you do as a Sound Technician?

A Sound Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment for live events, recordings, or broadcasts. They ensure sound quality, troubleshoot technical issues, and often work with microphones, mixing consoles, and audio software to deliver clear sound. Strong technical skills and knowledge of audio equipment are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Sound Technician, you need a solid understanding of acoustics, audio engineering principles, and experience with live and recorded sound, often supported by a relevant diploma or degree. Proficiency in using digital audio workstations (DAWs), mixing consoles, microphones, and audio signal processing equipment is essential, along with certifications like AVIXA CTS being advantageous. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with performers and production teams. These skills ensure high-quality sound production, prevent technical issues, and contribute to seamless live or recorded experiences.

What are some common challenges Sound Technicians face when working live events?

Sound Technicians working live events often encounter challenges such as unpredictable acoustics in different venues, tight setup and breakdown schedules, and last-minute changes to equipment or performer requirements. They must quickly troubleshoot technical issues under pressure to ensure high-quality audio throughout the event. Effective communication and collaboration with performers, stage managers, and other technical staff are essential for smooth operations and adapting to real-time changes.

What is the difference between Sound Technician vs Audio Engineer?

AspectSound TechnicianAudio Engineer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like CTS or CAVBachelor's degree in audio engineering, music production, or related field
Work EnvironmentLive events, recording studios, theatersRecording studios, post-production, live sound
Job FocusOperating sound equipment, setting up microphones, live sound mixingDesigning sound, mixing, editing, and mastering audio

While both roles involve working with audio equipment, Sound Technicians primarily focus on operating and maintaining sound systems during live events or recordings. Audio Engineers often handle the creative and technical aspects of sound design, mixing, and editing in studio or post-production settings. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much do sound technicians earn?

Sound technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technicians working on large productions or events can earn higher salaries. Many also work irregular hours and need technical skills with audio equipment and editing software.

What are sound technicians?

Sound technicians, also known as audio engineers, are professionals responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the technical equipment used to record, amplify, enhance, mix, or reproduce sound. They work in a variety of settings, including live events, recording studios, television, film, and radio productions. Their duties often include balancing sound levels, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring high-quality audio output. Sound technicians collaborate closely with performers, directors, and other technical staff to create the best possible auditory experience.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

High-paying jobs that can reach $400 an hour often include specialized roles such as experienced freelance consultants, top-tier legal or financial advisors, and certain senior medical specialists. In the entertainment industry, highly sought-after sound technicians working on major productions or events may also command such rates, especially with advanced skills and certifications. These positions typically require extensive experience, expertise, and often work on a freelance or contract basis.

What qualifications do you need to be a Sound Technician?

To become a sound technician, relevant education such as a high school diploma or equivalent is often required, along with technical training or certification in audio engineering or sound production. Practical experience with audio equipment, knowledge of sound systems, and proficiency with mixing consoles and editing software are also important qualifications.

What Do Sound Technicians Do?

Sound technicians prepare, maintain, and operate sound equipment for broadcasting companies, live events, and other recordings. As a sound technician, you must understand how to use audio, video, and recording equipment. For live events, sound technicians test acoustics and monitor echoes and other issues that may affect the performance. In a studio, sound technicians monitor a soundboard and adjust volume as necessary, then mix and manipulate sound to complete the feel of the scene. Sound technicians may also troubleshoot problems with sound equipment.

What cities are hiring for Sound Technician jobs? Cities with the most Sound Technician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Technician jobs? The most popular types of Sound Technician jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Sound Technician jobs? The top employers for Sound Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Sound Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Sound Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sound Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Technician jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Sound Technician jobs? For Sound Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Sound Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,158 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Sound Technician

$32.01/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Position Title:              Sound Technician

Reports To:                   Sound Supervisor

Reporting Staff:         None

FLSA Classification: Full-Time Non-Exempt

Pay Range:                    IATSE Local 2 CBA $32.01 per/hour; annualized $66,580.80

POSITION OVERVIEW

Chicago Shakespeare Theater seeks a self-directed and highly-motivated individual with strong communication and diverse technical skills to join our sound department. CST is a world-class theater company producing work of the highest caliber due, in large part, to a supportive team philosophy. The House Sound Technician position is an integral full time part of an ambitious program  averaging 12 productions per season in a 500-seat mainstage, 200-seat black box, a new groundbreaking flexible performance space seating up to 850, as well as several touring productions. This position’s responsibilities will be primarily focused in the sound department, but in certain parts of our season will switch to carry responsibility in other departments as needed. They will work with professional designers and directors from Chicago and around the world managing both produced and presented work, and will need to work in a fast-paced and interdisciplinary manner to address challenges.

The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 2.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

  • Working with sound department to install and strike sound systems.
  • Serving as A2 on select productions, working with orchestras and actors on mic and monitoring infrastructure.
  • Serving as A1 cover on select productions, including straight plays, line-by-line mixing of large musicals, and presented work.
  • Managing Clear-Com infrastructure.
  • Installing, troubleshooting, programming, and running QLab rigs.
  • Operating sound for special events both in the theater as well as in other spaces inside and outside of our facility.
  • Supporting designers and department during tech rehearsals including the setup and strike of tech tables and associated equipment.
  • Maintaining sound inventory by tracking equipment and supplies, and doing hands-on maintenance as required.
  • At times working with other production departments in varying capacities based on the needs of the productions.

COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of three years of professional theatrical sound experience. Regional theater experience preferred.
  • Proficient knowledge of DiGiCo SD7 T, Yamaha CL series consoles. Understanding of both console setup as well as operation for straight plays and line by line mixing of musicals.
  • Understanding of QSC Q-SYS infrastructure, Dante I/O protocols, network infrastructure, Aviom monitoring systems, Clear-Com systems, Shure wireless equipment and Wireless Workbench frequency coordination, QLab software, KVM equipment.
  • Experience with making microphone ear-rigs, boom-rigs, wig-mounts, painting mics, etc. and working closely with actors.
  • Knowledge of safe work practices related to electricity and working at heights.
  • Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Comfortable working at heights of up to 50 feet.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required.

DESIRED SKILLS AND ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Familiarity with counterweight fly systems and moderate rigging capabilities, both theory and practice.
  • Healthy knowledge of electrical theory and practice, especially with wiring and soldering projects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Work hours generally vary greatly depending on production schedule
  • Overtime hours will be necessary.
  • Evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be necessary.
  • Worksite is primarily at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago, IL but will at times work in other locations such as the CST Warehouse, City Parks and other off-site performance venues.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

  • Perform a variety of physical tasks including but not limited to climbing, stooping, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pulling.
  • Work at height in locations including but not limited to catwalks, grids, ladders, and genies.
  • Perform a variety of physical tasks while wearing safety equipment including body harness, hardhat, and safety glasses.
  • Push, pull, lift, and move up to 50 lbs. at times on a repetitive basis.
  • Use of manual dexterity in the operation of tools.
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

This position is full time hourly involving up to six days of work per week including nights, weekends, and occasional holidays, and includes benefits. Hours will vary based on the needs of each production, and there may be “no-work” weeks during each season.  The position is be covered under an IATSE Local 2 CBA, but current IATSE membership is not a prerequisite.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.