Job Highlight: Audio Engineer

Audio Engineer: What is an Audio Engineer and What Do They Do?

Audio Engineers are essential in all aspects of the media world, as they enhance sound in everything from your favorite song, TV commercials, to the music in the films you watch in the cinema. In this article, we’ll take a look at what an Audio Engineer does, the type of salary you can expect, and the differences between an Audio Engineer and a Sound Engineer

Audio Engineer Job Description

Audio Engineers deal with the technical aspects of music.

As an Audio Engineer, you might find yourself tasked with sound recording, mixing, editing, and re-producing audio, all to enhance a piece of music or media so that listeners can experience it at its best.

Audio Engineers will normally be found in certain settings, ranging from music studios, to film studios, to concert venues. They’ll normally be seated in front of an arsenal of audio equipment and software, which they’ll use to make the audio they're working with sound its best. Their work will involve adjusting sound levels, solving technical issues, being part of artist discussions on how to improve an element of the audio, and being in charge of audio equipment.

If an Audio Engineer is working primarily on music, they’ll normally be present in the studio - with music producers, music artists, and music artist management teams. There, they’ll form part of the wider goal of achieving an artist’s vision by handling the technical and mechanical aspects of their music.

Audio Engineer Salary

Since Audio Engineers have highly technical roles, they can earn quite a lot within the music industry (not to mention that there is a lot of room for career development).

According to industry sources, entry-level Audio Engineers can earn between $30,000 to $45,000 at the very start of their career, with that salary increasing as they progress within the industry.

On top of this, audio engineers can become highly specialized within the industry, which creates a lot of demand for their services. Experienced Audio Engineers have been known to earn up to $100,000 per annum, especially for high-profile artists. Audio Engineers can either work for a music company, or they can freelance and find work for themselves. The benefit of this job type is that both choices can be very lucrative.

How to Become an Audio Engineer

Audio Engineering is much more technical and specialized than other jobs within the music industry, meaning there are clearer paths to becoming a readily employable Audio Engineer. If you want the job, here are some steps you’ll need to follow:

• Education: Most Audio Engineers will have degrees in audio engineering or sound production. There are colleges and universities across the world that specialize in audio engineering.
• Personal Experience: While most audio engineers have some form of qualification nowadays, there are still plenty out there who have learned from hard graft and hands-on experience. Many people will intern at a music studio or shadow a fellow audio engineer and gain skills from them.
• Learn About the Equipment and Software: The best Audio Engineers will always keep up-to-date with the latest equipment and software. The music world is constantly evolving, and artists/producers will want to collaborate with engineers who know the kit, know the latest capabilities, and who can work efficiently.
  

Is an Audio Engineer a DJ?

Perhaps some Audio Engineers moonlight as DJs to make extra money - but the short answer is: no, Audio Engineers are not DJs.

The main difference is that DJs perform live, mixing songs/sounds in front of crowds. Audio Engineers typically work in studios, either alone or with other people involved in the music-making process. Their job is also a lot more technical (as highlighted above).

Sound Engineer vs. Audio Engineer

Many will ask if there is a difference between the role of ‘Sound Engineer’ and ‘Audio Engineer.’

The truth is that most people within the music industry will use these two terms interchangeably (indeed, it is even common to hear audio engineers refer to themselves as ‘sound engineers’ sometimes).

There is a small distinction, although it has largely to do with semantics. The role of audio engineers’ tends to refer to engineers who tend to focus specifically on the mechanical aspects of recording and production (typically in the studio). In contrast, a ‘sound engineer’ might take on different responsibilities, including managing the sound at live events.

However, since the difference has largely to do with semantics, many audio engineers would dismiss this view and use the terms interchangeably.

Conclusion: Want to Become an Audio Engineer? Sounds good…

Audio Engineers don’t always get the credit for it - but their work has helped turn recorded music into something so professional that it has caused the industry to become a global, cultural behemoth.

Audio Engineers are why Springsteen sounds so good coming out of your surround sound, why Taylor’s voice comes through cleanly on your headphones, and why you can hear every bar Kendrick drops when he’s laying down lyrics in the booth.

That’s not all: the job of an audio engineer is highly specialized, meaning those who enter this field can earn a lot of money. If you’re thinking of becoming one, there’s no better time to do your research on this highly lucrative job.

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The number of opportunities may surprise you, and you won’t need to be an expert concert pianist to succeed. If you're considering a path in the music industry, take the first steps and follow your dreams! Read The Beginner's Guide to Working in Music for you to get started!