Boom operator vs sound mixer

The differences between boom operators and sound mixers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a boom operator, becoming a sound mixer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a boom operator has an average salary of $38,499, which is higher than the $37,059 average annual salary of a sound mixer.

The top three skills for a boom operator include building materials, boom truck and CDL. The most important skills for a sound mixer are sound design, pro tools, and documentaries.

Boom operator vs sound mixer overview

	Boom Operator	Sound Mixer
Yearly salary	$38,499	$37,059
Hourly rate	$18.51	$17.82
Growth rate	7%	10%
Number of jobs	31,804	1,182
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age	47	42
Years of experience	4	2

Boom operator vs sound mixer salary

Boom operators and sound mixers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Boom Operator	Sound Mixer
Average salary	$38,499	$37,059
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $57,000	Between $24,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between boom operator and sound mixer education

There are a few differences between a boom operator and a sound mixer in terms of educational background:

	Boom Operator	Sound Mixer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common major	Photography	Photography
Most common college	-	Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Boom operator vs sound mixer demographics

Here are the differences between boom operators' and sound mixers' demographics:

	Boom Operator	Sound Mixer
Average age	47	42
Gender ratio	Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8%	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 0.7% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%	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 Percentage	2%	8%

Differences between boom operator and sound mixer duties and responsibilities

Boom operator example responsibilities.

Operate various boom cranes to deliver building materials to residential and commercial construction sites.
Prepare for rigging and hoisting.
Fix cab crane operator and CDL driver dump truck.
Make sure all crewmembers are wearing PPE, and also securement of job site
Direct activities of workers placing blocks and outriggers to prevent capsizing when lifting heavy loads.
Make sure enough spotters or swampers are adequate with the amount of equipment is being run.

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.

Boom operator vs sound mixer skills

Common boom operator skills

Building Materials, 27%
Boom Truck, 21%
CDL, 13%
DOT, 8%
Audio Equipment, 5%
Construction Materials, 3%

Common sound mixer skills

Sound Design, 22%
Pro Tools, 15%
Documentaries, 14%
ADR, 10%
Sound Equipment, 9%
SFX, 8%