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The differences between sound engineers and acoustical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a sound engineer, becoming an acoustical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an acoustical engineer has an average salary of $93,808, which is higher than the $52,197 average annual salary of a sound engineer.
The top three skills for a sound engineer include audio equipment, venues and A/V. The most important skills for an acoustical engineer are transducers, data analysis, and DSP.
| Sound Engineer | Acoustical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,197 | $93,808 |
| Hourly rate | $25.09 | $45.10 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 6,923 | 74,331 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Sound engineers are audio engineering professionals who are responsible for performing audio mixes and reproduction while manipulating the equalization and electronic effects of sound. These engineers must design and control the sound at different locations such as theaters, conferences, and any other venue that requires sound projection. By using their well-trained ears, sound engineers must control the combination of microphones, sound levels, and sound outputs. Sound engineers must also maintain and sound up sound equipment such as amplifiers, complex PA systems, and speakers for bands and other sound engineers.
An acoustical engineer works primarily with sound; they reduce noise pollution in areas like construction sites and airports. Noise pollution is particularly hard to contain, which means an acoustical engineer is essential to manage the potential hazards of constant high-decibel sounds. Their job involves inspecting a location, determining the loudest areas, recommending measures to minimize noise pollution, and implementing all approved recommendations.
Sound engineers and acoustical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sound Engineer | Acoustical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $52,197 | $93,808 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $95,000 | Between $69,000 And $126,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | California |
| Best paying company | Techtronic Industries TTI | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a sound engineer and an acoustical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Sound Engineer | Acoustical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Music | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between sound engineers' and acoustical engineers' demographics:
| Sound Engineer | Acoustical Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 93.7% Female, 6.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 15.7% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |