Post job

Audio engineer vs sound mixer

The differences between audio engineers and sound mixers 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 sound mixer. Additionally, an audio engineer has an average salary of $55,853, which is higher than the $37,059 average annual salary of a sound mixer.

The top three skills for an audio engineer include video production, audio systems and audio visual. The most important skills for a sound mixer are sound design, pro tools, and documentaries.

Audio engineer vs sound mixer overview

Audio EngineerSound Mixer
Yearly salary$55,853$37,059
Hourly rate$26.85$17.82
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs1,7501,182
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Audio engineer vs sound mixer salary

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

Audio EngineerSound Mixer
Average salary$55,853$37,059
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $102,000Between $24,000 And $55,000
Highest paying CityNovato, CA-
Highest paying stateOregon-
Best paying companyMeta-
Best paying industry--

Differences between audio engineer and sound mixer education

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

Audio EngineerSound Mixer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorMusicPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityInter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Audio engineer vs sound mixer demographics

Here are the differences between audio engineers' and sound mixers' demographics:

Audio EngineerSound Mixer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 92.3% Female, 7.7%Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between audio engineer and sound mixer 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

Sound mixer example responsibilities.

  • Produce by BBC and PBS; shown nationally.
  • Sound recordist for independent film, radio, and television productions.
  • Record ADR and foley where require.
  • Mix feature length documentaries in both English and Spanish.
  • Edit and add SFX to prep shows for mix.
  • Assist in setting up various film equipment as needed.
  • Show more

Audio engineer vs sound mixer skills

Common audio engineer skills
  • Video Production, 8%
  • Audio Systems, 7%
  • Audio Visual, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Video Conferencing, 4%
Common sound mixer skills
  • Sound Design, 22%
  • Pro Tools, 15%
  • Documentaries, 14%
  • ADR, 10%
  • Sound Equipment, 9%
  • SFX, 8%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs