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Recording engineer vs recordist

The differences between recording engineers and recordists 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 a recordist. Additionally, a recording engineer has an average salary of $78,099, which is higher than the $60,058 average annual salary of a recordist.

The top three skills for a recording engineer include digital audio, R and music videos. The most important skills for a recordist are audio equipment, promotional videos, and ADR.

Recording engineer vs recordist overview

Recording EngineerRecordist
Yearly salary$78,099$60,058
Hourly rate$37.55$28.87
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs7,117181
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Recording engineer vs recordist salary

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

Recording EngineerRecordist
Average salary$78,099$60,058
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $135,000Between $31,000 And $115,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateOregon-
Best paying companyWestern Digital-
Best paying industry--

Differences between recording engineer and recordist education

There are a few differences between a recording engineer and a recordist in terms of educational background:

Recording EngineerRecordist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorMusicPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityStanford University

Recording engineer vs recordist demographics

Here are the differences between recording engineers' and recordists' demographics:

Recording EngineerRecordist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 91.4% Female, 8.6%Male, 82.0% Female, 18.0%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.1% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between recording engineer and recordist 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

Recordist example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Mix and record location sound to HD video camera and DAT recorder for feature film.
  • Provide audio/video recording and DVD authoring services for recitals and audition entries of classical instrumentalists
  • Operate various digital and analog audio consoles during musical performances to create optimal experience for listener and musicians.
  • Optimize editing processes by assisting editors in digitizing and organizing media

Recording engineer vs recordist skills

Common recording engineer skills
  • Digital Audio, 17%
  • R, 8%
  • Music Videos, 6%
  • Analog, 6%
  • Studio Equipment, 5%
  • Live Sound, 5%
Common recordist skills
  • Audio Equipment, 42%
  • Promotional Videos, 38%
  • ADR, 7%
  • Sound Design, 7%
  • Pro Tools, 6%

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