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Sound designer vs assistant audio engineer

The differences between sound designers 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 sound designer and an assistant audio engineer. Additionally, a sound designer has an average salary of $71,949, which is higher than the $69,049 average annual salary of an assistant audio engineer.

The top three skills for a sound designer include audio assets, pro tools and wwise. The most important skills for an assistant audio engineer are video production, audio equipment, and visual equipment.

Sound designer vs assistant audio engineer overview

Sound DesignerAssistant Audio Engineer
Yearly salary$71,949$69,049
Hourly rate$34.59$33.20
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs50,2351,037
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Sound designer vs assistant audio engineer salary

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

Sound DesignerAssistant Audio Engineer
Average salary$71,949$69,049
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $120,000Between $38,000 And $122,000
Highest paying CityNovato, CA-
Highest paying statePennsylvania-
Best paying companyMeta-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between sound designer and assistant audio engineer education

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

Sound DesignerAssistant Audio Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeNew York UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Sound designer vs assistant audio engineer demographics

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

Sound DesignerAssistant Audio Engineer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 86.0% Female, 14.0%Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 63.3% 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 sound designer and assistant audio engineer duties and responsibilities

Sound designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage PowerPoint and mixing music at the same time.
  • Record live performances to multitrack DAW.
  • Implement audio using FMOD, Maya and proprietary tools.
  • Edit and master pre-record shows and audio clips and prepare for play on air.
  • Supervise load in and load outs and sound checks and run FOH day of event.
  • Set up, run and break down live shows.
  • 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.

Sound designer vs assistant audio engineer skills

Common sound designer skills
  • Audio Assets, 24%
  • Pro Tools, 10%
  • Wwise, 6%
  • Video Games, 5%
  • PC, 4%
  • Audio Production, 4%
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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