What Is an Audio Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An Audio Engineer is involved in the recording and production of audio, sound, and music. Some Audio Engineers help record vocal or musical performances in a recording studio. Others manage sound output during live concerts. As an Audio Engineer, you might mix and edit tracks for studio albums, radio and television shows, movies, or video games. During recordings and performances, you may be responsible for setting up audio equipment, such as microphones, speakers, headphones, and mixers, and checking them to make sure they work correctly.

To become an Audio Engineer, you do not need to meet any specific educational requirements beyond a high school diploma, but earning an associate degree or completing a certificate program in audio engineering may give you a significant advantage when looking for a job. Many Audio Engineers start their careers as an Audio Engineering Assistant; this entry-level position teaches you many of the skills and knowledge required for this career in a hands-on environment. Search for an assistant position in the specialty that most interests you, such as music production, live sound, audio forensics, or working in a recording studio.

Becoming a good Audio Engineer takes time and a lot of experience. When you begin this career, you can learn a lot of technical knowledge in college or a vocational program, but time working in this field is the way you truly develop your engineering skills and knowledge. Working as an assistant in a variety of recording environments can help you learn what equipment and techniques are best suited for each unique event. Be patient and take the time to learn all you can, and your reputation will take you far in the audio industry.

Audio Engineers are hired for various types of recording jobs. You may work in a recording studio, handling the sound needs of musical artists while they record demos or albums, or you may work with voiceover actors or recording voice tracks for various projects. Some Audio Engineers focus on recording live performances or speeches at venues and events, such as concerts, conventions, and conferences. You may find yourself working on film sets, in theaters, at corporate events, or outdoor concerts. While all Audio Engineers have the same basic understanding of how to use equipment and monitor sound, every job is different and may require specialized skills.

Job Summary

Our studio is looking for an Audio Engineer to join our team. You will be responsible for the setup and break down of audio equipment, running cables, and testing microphones and other equipment to ensure they work properly. Our ideal candidate knows how to operate a variety of analog and digital mixing consoles and has managed sound in different types of venues. You must also be able to perform regular maintenance on the equipment and troubleshoot and repair problems when they arise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and break down audio equipment
• Run audio cables and check that they are connected properly
• Test microphones and other equipment for volume, tone, and clarity
• Operate mixing consoles, adjusting sounds and volume when necessary
• Evaluate equipment for maintenance or repair
• Make recommendations on equipment or software upgrades and replacement

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED certificate; college degree preferred
• At least one year of experience in sound mixing or other audio management roles
• Excellent communication and multi-tasking skills
• Able to lift at least 50 pounds and perform in a relatively loud work environment