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What is an audio operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
The average audio operator salary is $134,230. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an communication major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become an audio operator. Audio operators with a Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 10% and produce 12,100 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreAudio OperatorUS Average
Salary
8.5

Avg. Salary $134,230

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 5.05%

Black or African American 10.18%

Hispanic or Latino 16.13%

Unknown 6.25%

White 62.03%

Gender

female 26.18%

male 73.82%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Audio operator career paths

Key steps to become an audio operator

  1. Explore audio operator education requirements

    Most common audio operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.4 %

    Associate

    18.7 %

    High School Diploma

    5.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific audio operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    RF20.26%
    IFB14.22%
    TV10.96%
    Control Room7.85%
    Audio Console7.43%
  3. Complete relevant audio operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New audio operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an audio operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real audio operator resumes.
  4. Research audio operator duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain microphone integrity and quality for transmitters, receivers, and IFB.
    • Receive and process audio transmissions from remote locations including IFB assignments and troubleshooting.
    • Conduct staff training on office software, internet usage, and PC troubleshooting.
    • Operate the administrative and technical aspects of a video teleconferencing center for clients ranging from civilian executives to four-star generals.
  5. Prepare your audio operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your audio operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an audio operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable audio operator resume templates

    Build a professional audio operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your audio operator resume.
    Audio Operator Resume
    Audio Operator Resume
    Audio Operator Resume
    Audio Operator Resume
    Audio Operator Resume
    Audio Operator Resume
    Audio Operator Resume
    Audio Operator Resume
    Audio Operator Resume
  6. Apply for audio operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an audio operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first audio operator job

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Average audio operator salary

The average audio operator salary in the United States is $134,230 per year or $65 per hour. Audio operator salaries range between $92,000 and $194,000 per year.

Average audio operator salary
$134,230 Yearly
$64.53 hourly

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Audio operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2021
Cons

how long it takes or the creative block i get when i cannot music for a few days


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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