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Recording engineer vs sound mixer

The differences between recording engineers and sound mixers 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 sound mixer. Additionally, a recording engineer has an average salary of $78,099, which is higher than the $37,059 average annual salary of a sound mixer.

The top three skills for a recording engineer include digital audio, R and music videos. The most important skills for a sound mixer are sound design, pro tools, and documentaries.

Recording engineer vs sound mixer overview

Recording EngineerSound Mixer
Yearly salary$78,099$37,059
Hourly rate$37.55$17.82
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs7,1171,182
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Recording engineer vs sound mixer salary

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

Recording EngineerSound Mixer
Average salary$78,099$37,059
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $135,000Between $24,000 And $55,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateOregon-
Best paying companyWestern Digital-
Best paying industry--

Differences between recording engineer and sound mixer education

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

Recording EngineerSound Mixer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorMusicPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityInter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Recording engineer vs sound mixer demographics

Here are the differences between recording engineers' and sound mixers' demographics:

Recording EngineerSound Mixer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 91.4% Female, 8.6%Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between recording engineer and sound mixer 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

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.
  • Show more

Recording engineer vs sound mixer skills

Common recording engineer skills
  • Digital Audio, 17%
  • R, 8%
  • Music Videos, 6%
  • Analog, 6%
  • Studio Equipment, 5%
  • Live Sound, 5%
Common sound mixer skills
  • Sound Design, 22%
  • Pro Tools, 15%
  • Documentaries, 14%
  • ADR, 10%
  • Sound Equipment, 9%
  • SFX, 8%

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