What does an audio engineer do?
An audio engineer is a trained professional who specializes in working with the mechanics of recording, mixing, and reproducing sound. Audio engineers work with clients such as record producers, musicians, and artists to record the sound they are making and manipulate the equalizer, the compression, and the gates when mixing. They must possess excellent skills in operating recording equipment as well as maintain them. Audio engineers can also work in different audio fields that can include church audio, live performances, and internet radio.
Audio engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real audio engineer resumes:
- 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.
- Set up and run recording sessions.
- Maintain dB levels at live mixing console.
- Mix down music daily using Protools and ableton.
- Utilize AutoCAD software for room layout block diagrams.
- Engineer, produce, and compose CDs for clients.
- Install and dial in LCD HD projectors and screens.
- Create weatherproof contact switch for sliding windows with defroster grid.
- Complete the sound check with the DJ, management or promoter.
- Route IFB's and check them before distributing them to talent.
Audio engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Audio Engineers are proficient in Video Production, Audio Systems, and Audio Visual. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Computer skills, and Manual dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Audio Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Video Production, 8%
Developed and maintained a Macintosh-based computing infrastructure for audio and video production.
- Audio Systems, 7%
Created Standard Operating Procedure documentation for IMF audio systems.
- Audio Visual, 7%
Oversee budget * Audio Visual equipment maintenance* Recording studio maintenance and operation.
- Audio Equipment, 7%
Operate audio equipment*Surround sound, digital audio/MIDI, recording*Sequencing for music programming and automation*Vocal editing and mixing
- Troubleshoot, 6%
Collaborated with producers, writers, editors and mixers in order to troubleshoot any complications that may arise.
- Video Conferencing, 4%
Set up audio/video conferencing equipment, programming software for access for multiple remotely located parties for conferences.
Most audio engineers use their skills in "video production," "audio systems," and "audio visual" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential audio engineer responsibilities here:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for an audio engineer to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "technicians need to communicate with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that clients’ needs are met and that equipment is set up properly before broadcasts, live performances, and presentations." Additionally, an audio engineer resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "operated and maintained the concert hall's audio equipment and backstage communications systems. "
Computer skills. Many audio engineer duties rely on computer skills. "technicians use computer systems to program equipment and edit audio and video recordings.," so an audio engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways audio engineer responsibilities rely on computer skills: "operated audio equipment and computer software for proper quality of sound. "
Manual dexterity. This is an important skill for audio engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how audio engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "some technicians set up audio and video equipment and cables, a job that requires a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an audio engineer: "study studio equipment, read manuals and learn about equipment used in a production. ".
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what audio engineers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to audio engineer responsibilities because "technicians need to recognize equipment problems and propose possible solutions to them." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical audio engineer tasks: "live sound mixing, on-location recording, system consulting, and custom wiring solutions. "
The three companies that hire the most audio engineers are:
- Live Nation Entertainment40 audio engineers jobs
- Apple19 audio engineers jobs
- SOFAR13 audio engineers jobs
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Compare different audio engineers
Audio engineer vs. Recordist
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an audio engineer are more likely to require skills like "video production," "audio systems," "audio visual," and "troubleshoot." On the other hand, a job as a recordist requires skills like "visual equipment," "promotional videos," "pro tools," and "hd." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, recordists reach similar levels of education than audio engineers. Recordists are 4.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Audio engineer vs. Public address technician
Each career also uses different skills, according to real audio engineer resumes. While audio engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "video production," "audio systems," "audio visual," and "audio equipment," public address technicians use skills like "technical publications," "technical manuals," "photoshop," and "framemaker."
Public address technicians earn similar levels of education than audio engineers in general. They're 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for audio engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Galen Duree
Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Audio engineer vs. Sound assistant
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from audio engineer resumes include skills like "video production," "audio systems," "audio visual," and "troubleshoot," whereas a sound assistant is more likely to list skills in "pro tools," "front-of-house," "ran," and "ultra. "
Most sound assistants achieve a similar degree level compared to audio engineers. For example, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Audio engineer vs. Sound technician
Types of audio engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
