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Recording engineer vs assistant audio engineer

The differences between recording engineers and assistant audio engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a recording engineer and an assistant audio engineer. Additionally, a recording engineer has an average salary of $78,099, which is higher than the $69,049 average annual salary of an assistant audio engineer.

The top three skills for a recording engineer include digital audio, R and music videos. The most important skills for an assistant audio engineer are video production, audio equipment, and visual equipment.

Recording engineer vs assistant audio engineer overview

Recording EngineerAssistant Audio Engineer
Yearly salary$78,099$69,049
Hourly rate$37.55$33.20
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs7,1171,037
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Recording engineer vs assistant audio engineer salary

Recording engineers and assistant audio engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Recording EngineerAssistant Audio Engineer
Average salary$78,099$69,049
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $135,000Between $38,000 And $122,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateOregon-
Best paying companyWestern Digital-
Best paying industry--

Differences between recording engineer and assistant audio engineer education

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

Recording EngineerAssistant Audio Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Recording engineer vs assistant audio engineer demographics

Here are the differences between recording engineers' and assistant audio engineers' demographics:

Recording EngineerAssistant Audio Engineer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 91.4% Female, 8.6%Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.2% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between recording engineer and assistant audio engineer duties and responsibilities

Recording engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage PowerPoint and mixing music at the same time.
  • Prepare and run equipment during live FM broadcasts.
  • Work with ReverbNation, MP3.com, Facebook, YouTube platforms.
  • Trouble shooting software glitches in multiple DAW 's
  • Help on-site technician align Otari tape machine and SSL consoles
  • Record ADR for national TV and feature film projects.
  • Show more

Assistant audio engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage PowerPoint and mixing music at the same time.
  • Master every facet of the SSL 4064E analog console and Tascam inch tape machine.
  • Record and edit various voice-overs, audio books, and ADR for film and TV.
  • Assist head engineer with recording, mixing, EQ's, compressors, and gear setup.
  • Operate various digital and analog audio consoles during musical performances to create optimal experience for listener and musicians.
  • Retain several local and national commercial clients while primarily engineering and producing music CDs.

Recording engineer vs assistant audio engineer skills

Common recording engineer skills
  • Digital Audio, 17%
  • R, 8%
  • Music Videos, 6%
  • Analog, 6%
  • Studio Equipment, 5%
  • Live Sound, 5%
Common assistant audio engineer skills
  • Video Production, 19%
  • Audio Equipment, 7%
  • Visual Equipment, 7%
  • Analog, 6%
  • Signal Flow, 5%
  • Sound Design, 5%

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