How to hire an audio engineer

How to hire an audio engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step audio engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an audio engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new audio engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an audio engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your audio engineer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an audio engineer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an audio engineer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an audio engineer that fits the bill.

   This list presents audio engineer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Audio Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Audio Engineer	Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.	$14-49
   Actor	An actor is a person who specializes in representing the character they are portraying and convince that it is real by engaging and drawing the audience into their story. They deal with several types of spectators, coming from all ages and which could be from home televisions, films, traditional theaters, radios, and other performing arts center organizations... Show more	$11-55
   Audio Visual Technician	An audiovisual technician is responsible for operating and monitoring audiovisual equipment and systems used for various events such as live public events and business conferences. Audiovisual technicians' duties include repairing technical issues, running diagnostic tests before actual use, identifying and resolving malfunctions immediately, assembling system components, installing and arranging equipment on their proper positions, instructing clients on how to operate the systems, and ensuring the safety of the equipment... Show more	$13-31

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Video Production
   • Audio Systems
   • Audio Visual
   • Audio Equipment
   • Troubleshoot
   • Video Conferencing
   • Analog
   • Video Systems
   • Sound Design
   • Live Sound
   • Live Events
   • Audio Production
   • Windows
   • Unified Communications

   Check all skills

   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.

   More audio engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your audio engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An audio engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, audio engineers' average salary in vermont is 64% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level audio engineers earn 71% less than senior-level audio engineers.
   • Certifications. An audio engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an audio engineer's salary.

   Average audio engineer salary

   $55,853yearly

   $26.85 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level audio engineer salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 5, 2025

   Average audio engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$92,335	$44
   2	Washington	$76,871	$37
   3	Pennsylvania	$70,776	$34
   4	New Jersey	$68,674	$33
   5	Ohio	$64,497	$31
   6	North Carolina	$62,062	$30
   7	Michigan	$61,272	$29
   8	New York	$58,065	$28
   9	Minnesota	$56,295	$27
   10	Illinois	$52,994	$25
   11	Florida	$52,980	$25
   12	Georgia	$52,713	$25
   13	Texas	$50,856	$24
   14	Colorado	$48,173	$23
   15	Maryland	$39,379	$19
   16	District of Columbia	$38,858	$19
   17	Massachusetts	$38,107	$18

   Average audio engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$168,433	$80.98
   2	Apple	$145,585	$69.99	3
   3	Microsoft	$141,739	$68.14
   4	Advanced Systems Group	$136,497	$65.62	3
   5	Micron Technology	$125,551	$60.36
   6	CSR Technology Holdings Inc.	$123,149	$59.21
   7	American Water	$118,741	$57.09
   8	Kenneth Copeland Ministries	$112,731	$54.20
   9	2k	$108,776	$52.30
   10	Zoom Video Communications	$107,710	$51.78
   11	Exeter Government	$107,677	$51.77
   12	Ford Motor	$104,737	$50.35	2
   13	Capgemini	$101,009	$48.56	2
   14	Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited	$100,453	$48.29
   15	Activision Blizzard	$96,777	$46.53
   16	Motorola Solutions	$95,653	$45.99
   17	SAIC	$94,953	$45.65
   18	Matrix Service Company	$92,716	$44.58
   19	Amazon	$91,883	$44.17
   20	NBCUniversal	$91,577	$44.03	2

4. Writing an audio engineer job description

   An audio engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an audio engineer job description:

   Audio engineer job description example

   Leading the future in luxury electric and mobility
   At Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.
   
   We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design - where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.
   
   Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, we're providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.
   
   We are currently seeking a Sr. Android Bluetooth Engineer to design, implement, and deliver framework components for in-vehicle software systems. Our ideal candidate exhibits a can-do attitude and approaches his or her work with vigor and determination. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, to possess the ability to learn quickly and to strive for perfection within a fast-paced environment.
   
   The RoleDesign, implement, and deliver framework components for in-vehicle software system.Work with application software engineers, user experience team and BSP/kernel team to create a modular and extensible system Work with other ECU teams in the company to deliver end-to-end project functionality.Work with 3rd parties especially tier1 vendors to integrate and development corresponding features for in-vehicle software system.Diagnose, analyze, and resolve relevant issues based on testing, and user validation.
   QualificationsA minimum of 5+ years of industry experience in Android development and/or embedded Linux environment, and proven industry experience of shipping Android software products.Good at least one of the following Android domains: Android Audio Manager, Audio HALGood understanding Audio codec, A2B bus, USB audio and multimedia framework.Must feel comfortable using C++ for development Good understanding of Android frameworks including the general Application framework and native framework.Good at least one of the Android framework domains.Experience designing, developing and real-world deployment of complex Android software systems.Comfortable coding with C, C++ (C++ 11/14/17 preferred), and Java.Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and effectively.Willing to take ownership for tasks working on.Experience in automotive especially infotainment system is optional but make you better.BS or MS in the areas of Computer Science, Computer engineering, Electrical engineering or other related fields
   At Lucid, we don't just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.
   
   Notice regarding COVID-19 protocols
   At Lucid, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of our employees, families, and friends above all else. In response to the novel Coronavirus all new Lucid employees, whose job will be based in the United States may or may not be required to provide original documentation confirming status as having received the prescribed inoculation (doses). Vaccination requirements are dependent upon location and position, please refer to the job description for more details.
   
   Individuals in positions requiring vaccinations may seek a medical and/or religious exemption from this requirement and may be granted such an accommodation after submitting a formal request to and the subsequent review and approval thereof by our dedicated Covid-19 Response team.
   
   To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Lucid Motors employees. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right audio engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your audio engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit audio engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit audio engineers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new audio engineer

   Once you've selected the best audio engineer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new audio engineer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire an audio engineer?