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Sound designer vs play back operator

The differences between sound designers 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 sound designer and a play back operator. Additionally, a sound designer has an average salary of $71,949, which is higher than the $43,574 average annual salary of a play back operator.

The top three skills for a sound designer include audio assets, pro tools and wwise. The most important skills for a play back operator are control room, , and .

Sound designer vs play back operator overview

Sound DesignerPlay Back Operator
Yearly salary$71,949$43,574
Hourly rate$34.59$20.95
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs50,23527,895
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Sound designer vs play back operator salary

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

Sound DesignerPlay Back Operator
Average salary$71,949$43,574
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $120,000Between $30,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityNovato, CA-
Highest paying statePennsylvania-
Best paying companyMeta-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between sound designer and play back operator education

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

Sound DesignerPlay Back Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorMusicBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Sound designer vs play back operator demographics

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

Sound DesignerPlay Back Operator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 86.0% Female, 14.0%Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.0% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between sound designer and play back operator 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

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.

Sound designer vs play back operator skills

Common sound designer skills
  • Audio Assets, 24%
  • Pro Tools, 10%
  • Wwise, 6%
  • Video Games, 5%
  • PC, 4%
  • Audio Production, 4%
Common play back operator skills
  • Control Room, 100%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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