Recordist vs play back operator

The differences between recordists and play back operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a recordist and a play back operator. Additionally, a recordist has an average salary of $60,058, which is higher than the $43,574 average annual salary of a play back operator.

The top three skills for a recordist include audio equipment, promotional videos and ADR. The most important skills for a play back operator are control room, , and .

Recordist vs play back operator overview

	Recordist	Play Back Operator
Yearly salary	$60,058	$43,574
Hourly rate	$28.87	$20.95
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	181	27,895
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Recordist vs play back operator salary

Recordists and play back operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Recordist	Play Back Operator
Average salary	$60,058	$43,574
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $115,000	Between $30,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between recordist and play back operator education

There are a few differences between a recordist and a play back operator in terms of educational background:

	Recordist	Play Back Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Photography	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	New York University

Recordist vs play back operator demographics

Here are the differences between recordists' and play back operators' demographics:

	Recordist	Play Back Operator
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 82.0% Female, 18.0%	Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.0% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between recordist and play back operator duties and responsibilities

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

Play back operator example responsibilities.

Manage and update show's Facebook page and website with strategically tailor content aim at growing audience base.
Conduct routine operating inspections of the unit, troubleshoot operational problems and respond to area emergencies or to changing operational situations.
Solicit previous ADT callers and transfer to sales representative.
Interact with the Flexo department to resolve any issues relate to machine performance.

Recordist vs play back operator skills

Common recordist skills

Audio Equipment, 42%
Promotional Videos, 38%
ADR, 7%
Sound Design, 7%
Pro Tools, 6%

Common play back operator skills

Control Room, 100%

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Recordist vs Play Back Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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