ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sound Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Principal Sound Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Summary We are looking for a versatile and experienced Principal Sound Designer to join our audio team to craft and implement exceptional sound design. This role is crucial in support of defining an ...

The Walt Disney Company

Senior Sound Designer

Glendale, CA · Remote

$95K - $128K/yr

Senior Sound Designer Req ID: 10155659 Senior Sound Designer Disney Digital Entertainment is looking for a Senior Sound Designer to join us on an ambitious and exciting new project. If you are an ...

Activision

Technical Sound Designer

San Mateo, CA

$30.47 - $56.35/hr

Technical Sound Designer Requisition ID: R027902 Your Platform Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since its ...

New

Activision

Technical Sound Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$30.47 - $56.35/hr

Technical Sound Designer Requisition ID: R027902 Your Platform Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since its ...

New

3M HEALTHCARE

Sr Director, Sound Design

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$235.40 - $353/hr

About the Role The Senior Director, Sound leads the creative, technical, and strategic vision for sound, dialogue and talent casting across PlayStation Studios globally. This leader sets the standard ...

Talented Medical Solutions

Ultra Sound Technician

Lodi, CA · On-site

$2.4K - $2.5K/wk

Job Summary Ultra Sound Technician Talented Medical Solutions Full-time, Contract 13 weeks Must have strong EPIC experience Hospital setting In-Office | Lodi, CA, United States The Opportunity You're ...

VectorUSA

Sound and Signal Apprentice

San Diego, CA · On-site

Position Overview VectorUSA is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Sound & Signal Apprentices. This apprenticeship program is designed for candidates interested in building a career in ...

VectorUSA

Sound and Signal Apprentice

Torrance, CA · On-site

Position Overview VectorUSA is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Sound & Signal Apprentices. This apprenticeship program is designed for candidates interested in building a career in ...

ATC West Healthcare

Ultra Sound Tech

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$1.8K/wk

Ultrasound Tech Assignment - Los Angeles, CA, USA. $1,840/WEEK * Work Type: Masterbook per diem * Pay: $1,840/Week * Location: Los Angeles, CA * Title: Ultrasound Tech * Certifications: AHA BLS ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSound JobsSound Jobs in California

Sound information

See California salary details

$15

$35

$62

How much do sound jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for sound in California is $35.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $42.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sound engineer?

To thrive as a Sound Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio theory, acoustics, and experience with recording, mixing, and mastering, often supported by a degree or certification in audio engineering. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live, as well as knowledge of microphones, mixers, and audio signal flow, is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure help you collaborate effectively with artists and production teams. These skills ensure high-quality sound production and smooth operation during live performances or studio sessions.

What are some common challenges sound engineers face when working on live events?

Sound Engineers working on live events often encounter challenges such as unpredictable acoustics, last-minute technical issues, and time constraints during setup and soundchecks. They must quickly adapt to different venues, manage feedback, and coordinate with performers and other technical staff to ensure audio quality. Effective communication and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure are essential for maintaining the sound experience during a live show.

What careers involve sound?

Careers involving sound include audio engineers, sound designers, music producers, sound technicians, and acousticians. These roles often require knowledge of audio equipment, sound editing software, and acoustics principles, and they work in environments such as recording studios, theaters, and live event venues.

What is the difference between Sound vs Audio Technician?

AspectSoundAudio Technician
Required CredentialsOften a degree or certification in sound engineering or related fieldSimilar credentials, including technical training or certification in audio systems
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live events, film setsConcerts, broadcast stations, theater productions
Industry UsageUsed broadly in entertainment, media, and productionPrimarily in live sound, broadcasting, and event setups
Common Search/ComparisonPeople often compare Sound with Audio Technician to understand roles in audio production

Both Sound and Audio Technician roles involve technical skills in audio systems, often requiring similar certifications. Sound professionals may focus more on music, film, or studio work, while Audio Technicians often work in live events and broadcasting. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.

What is a sound technician?

Sound technicians, also known as audio engineers, are professionals responsible for recording, mixing, and reproducing sound in various settings such as concerts, film, television, and theater. They set up and operate audio equipment, ensure sound quality, and troubleshoot technical issues during live events or recording sessions. Their work is essential for delivering clear and balanced audio to audiences or recordings.
What are popular job titles related to Sound jobs in California? For Sound jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sound jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sound jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sound jobs? Cities in California with the most Sound job openings:
Sound jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,878 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Principal Sound Designer

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Summary
We are looking for a versatile and experienced Principal Sound Designer to join our audio team to craft and implement exceptional sound design. This role is crucial in support of defining an iconic soundscape for our unique and innovative open world game. As a Principal, your mission is to use your creative and technical audio skills to inspire and evangelize the team in creating outstanding and compelling sound design. You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with some of the greatest developers in the industry on an exciting, immersive, narrative AAA game.
Core Responsibilities
  • Create exceptional and immersive sound design using both commercial and proprietary tools, software, and source material.
  • Work closely with the Audio Director to help define and execute the project's overall audio vision.
  • Collaborate with engineers and fellow sound designers to build, implement, and scale audio pipelines.
  • Proactively anticipate project needs and independently develop and implement solutions.
  • Optimize audio assets and recommend workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex audio issues across multiple disciplines.
  • Effectively communicate technical and creative ideas through clear written and verbal communication.
  • Manage time independently and drive complex, multi-phase initiatives through to completion.

Core Qualifications
  • 8+ years of professional experience in the games industry as a sound designer, with some senior experience on shipped AAA titles.
  • Proven track record of owning and delivering complex audio systems on shipped titles.
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating with engineering and cross-disciplinary teams on large-scale projects.
  • Strong background in recording high-quality source material and pushing it through to final asset implementation.
  • Expertise with AAA game engines and deep knowledge of audio implementation workflows.
  • Advanced proficiency in Wwise and real-time audio systems.
  • Background in mentoring team members and sharing both technical and creative expertise.

Key Attributes
  • A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a strong emphasis on cross-discipline partnership.
  • Ability to inspire and elevate others through leadership, mentorship, and craftsmanship.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of solving problems with minimal direction.
  • Adaptable and responsive to feedback and evolving project requirements.

Plus if
  • Experience contributing during early development and R&D phases.
  • Experience designing and improving custom audio tools and workflows for large scale open-world games.
  • Scripting experience in Python, MEL, or similar languages.
  • Passion for video games, storytelling, cinema, and a strong understanding of game audio.

Description
  • Full-time job with benefits.
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways.
  • The base pay range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including paid time off, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

About Absurd Ventures
Absurd Ventures is a media company creating new IP across all platforms and for all formats. Absurd Ventures is building narrative worlds, creating characters, and writing stories for a variety of genres, without regard to medium, to be produced for live-action and animation; video games and other interactive content; books, graphic novels, and scripted podcasts.

Apply