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Audio engineer vs recordist

The differences between audio engineers and recordists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an audio engineer and a recordist. Additionally, a recordist has an average salary of $60,058, which is higher than the $55,853 average annual salary of an audio engineer.

The top three skills for an audio engineer include video production, audio systems and audio visual. The most important skills for a recordist are audio equipment, promotional videos, and ADR.

Audio engineer vs recordist overview

Audio EngineerRecordist
Yearly salary$55,853$60,058
Hourly rate$26.85$28.87
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs1,750181
Job satisfaction55
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Audio engineer vs recordist salary

Audio engineers and recordists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Audio EngineerRecordist
Average salary$55,853$60,058
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $102,000Between $31,000 And $115,000
Highest paying CityNovato, CA-
Highest paying stateOregon-
Best paying companyMeta-
Best paying industry--

Differences between audio engineer and recordist education

There are a few differences between an audio engineer and a recordist in terms of educational background:

Audio EngineerRecordist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorMusicPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityStanford University

Audio engineer vs recordist demographics

Here are the differences between audio engineers' and recordists' demographics:

Audio EngineerRecordist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 92.3% Female, 7.7%Male, 82.0% Female, 18.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.1% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between audio engineer and recordist duties and responsibilities

Audio engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage PowerPoint and mixing music at the same time.
  • Manage troubleshooting of videoconferencing and networking equipment.
  • Freelance engineer for sound reinforcement, broadcast audio, teleconferencing, and truck A1.
  • Serve as audio engineer, sound board operator, and backstage audio technician (A2).
  • Stabilize IFB communication systems for talent/clientele and production teams.
  • Prepare audio, amps, and cords.
  • Show more

Recordist example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Mix and record location sound to HD video camera and DAT recorder for feature film.
  • Provide audio/video recording and DVD authoring services for recitals and audition entries of classical instrumentalists
  • Operate various digital and analog audio consoles during musical performances to create optimal experience for listener and musicians.
  • Optimize editing processes by assisting editors in digitizing and organizing media

Audio engineer vs recordist skills

Common audio engineer skills
  • Video Production, 8%
  • Audio Systems, 7%
  • Audio Visual, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Video Conferencing, 4%
Common recordist skills
  • Audio Equipment, 42%
  • Promotional Videos, 38%
  • ADR, 7%
  • Sound Design, 7%
  • Pro Tools, 6%

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