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Weekend A1 Audio Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The AV Engineer is responsible for managing and executing all audio components for live ... Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed * Adaptable to various show types ...

Sound Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29/hr

The AV Engineer is responsible for managing and executing all audio components for live ... Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed * Adaptable to various show types ...

Audio Visual Field Engineer 2

Chicago, IL · On-site

$36 - $46.80/hr

Independent programming for audio and control for small to midsize projects. * Develop and write ... Travel nationally up to 50% as needed, including potential occasional weekend work. WHAT YOU SHOULD ...

Audio Visual Field Engineer 2

Chicago, IL · On-site

$36 - $46.80/hr

Independent programming for audio and control for small to midsize projects. * Develop and write ... Travel nationally up to 50% as needed, including potential occasional weekend work. WHAT YOU SHOULD ...

Be Seen First

Ability to operate digital audio consoles (A1) for Live Events * Ability to read and follow AV system flow diagrams and support documentation Excellent interpersonal skills, accuracy and attention to ...

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Weekend A1 Audio Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$87K

$176.7K

How much do weekend a1 audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend a1 audio engineer in Chicago, IL is $87,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $116,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Weekend A1 Audio Engineer do?

A Weekend A1 Audio Engineer is responsible for managing and operating the main audio mixing console during live events, broadcasts, or performances that take place on weekends. Their duties include setting up microphones and audio equipment, ensuring optimal sound quality, troubleshooting audio issues, and coordinating with other technical staff. The 'A1' designation refers to the lead audio engineer, who is chiefly in charge of all audio elements for the event. This role often requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under time constraints.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Weekend A1 Audio Engineer?

To thrive as a Weekend A1 Audio Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of audio signal flow, mixing consoles, and live sound reinforcement, often backed by relevant technical training or certifications. Familiarity with digital audio consoles (e.g., Yamaha, Avid, or DiGiCo), wireless microphone systems, and audio networking tools is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help ensure seamless collaboration with production teams and talent. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality audio experiences in live event settings, where reliability and quick thinking are essential.

What challenges might a Weekend A1 Audio Engineer face during live events, and how can they prepare for them?

Weekend A1 Audio Engineers often work under tight schedules and must adapt quickly to different venues and technical setups. Common challenges include troubleshooting unexpected audio issues, managing last-minute changes to the program, and coordinating with other production team members under time pressure. Preparation is key—arriving early to perform thorough sound checks, maintaining open communication with stage managers and performers, and having backup equipment ready can help ensure a smooth show. Building strong relationships with the team and staying organized are also crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Weekend A1 Audio Engineer vs Weekend A2 Audio Technician?

AspectWeekend A1 Audio EngineerWeekend A2 Audio Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a professional audio certification or equivalent experienceMay require basic audio training or certification, less specialized
Work EnvironmentHigh-profile events, live concerts, and studio settingsSupport roles at events, assisting engineers and technicians
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by professional audio companies, concert venues, and production firmsCommon in event support, rental companies, and smaller production setups

The Weekend A1 Audio Engineer focuses on high-level audio mixing and setup at live events, requiring specialized skills and certifications. In contrast, the Weekend A2 Audio Technician provides support and technical assistance, often with less experience required. Both roles are essential in the live event industry but differ in responsibilities and credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of A1 Audio Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of A1 Audio Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

$33.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a(an) AUDIO ENGINEER (Part-Time).

Under the direction of the Music Department's Technical Director, the Audio Engineer position is responsible for providing the audio support for afternoon, evening, and weekend classes and events scheduled in Music Department facilities, including the Concert Hall, the Sherwood Recital, and classrooms.

This is a part-time position at 18-hour max (not to exceed 950 hours per calendar year), three days per week position with a schedule of M-W F, 4-10 pm or TTh 3:30-10 pm and Sat 10-5 pm.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILTIES

  • Responsible for all aspects of live performances, including setup and teardown, monitors, front of house, projections, live operation, lighting, and involving audio systems, amplifiers, keyboards, microphones, mixers, video cameras, and switchers.

  • Responsible for all aspects of performance recordings, including setup, teardown, Logic multi-track backup, recorded video & audio, editing, mastering, and publishing concerts to Music Department YouTube channel and to shared student folders.

  • Responsible for all aspects of tracking and recording video and audio of non-performance tracking sessions. This includes setup, teardown, tracking, and backing up all video and audio recorded in the sessions.

  • Responsible for resetting Ensemble rooms after 9:00 pm to be ready for morning classes.

  • Oversee Music Center video monitor broadcasts of Logo, notices, future events and removing dated material.

  • Schedule and oversee volunteer concert hall tech crews, as needed.

  • Approve space requests for ensemble rooms.

  • Oversee work study students.

  • Inventories and tagging of new equipment.

  • Prep backstage gear for bands performing on outside events.

  • Maintain daily concert hall reports related to concert setup, operation, volume levels, striking, volunteer involvement, skill levels, areas of improvement and equipment location and condition.

  • Maintain an organized and clean workspace at all times.

  • May provide audio support for college-wide events like Convocation, Manifest, Columbia Weekend, etc., including setup and teardown, monitors, front of house, projections, live operation, lighting, and involving audio systems, amplifiers, keyboards, microphones, mixers, video cameras, and switchers.

  • Oversee the recording archive process which includes saving video/audio performances to external hard drives, labeling drives and creating and maintaining a FileMaker Pro database for easy access.

  • Assist with classroom and Concert Hall's equipment and technical needs.

  • Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

  • Bachelor's degree, plus two years' experience of running equipment and live sound, or equivalent combination of education, certification, experience, and/or training.

  • Ability to work a varied schedule when needed.

  • Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

  • Ability to work with diverse individuals in a positive and constructive manner while appreciating the unique contributions of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and social identities.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $23.16

Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $33.33

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Position subject to a background screening

  • This is a union position

  • This is a part-time position

  • This position is overtime ineligible

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.