Post job

Sound engineer vs assistant audio engineer

The differences between sound engineers 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 engineer and an assistant audio engineer. Additionally, an assistant audio engineer has an average salary of $69,049, 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 assistant audio engineer are video production, audio equipment, and visual equipment.

Sound engineer vs assistant audio engineer overview

Sound EngineerAssistant Audio Engineer
Yearly salary$52,197$69,049
Hourly rate$25.09$33.20
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs6,9231,037
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Sound engineer vs assistant audio engineer salary

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

Sound EngineerAssistant Audio Engineer
Average salary$52,197$69,049
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $95,000Between $38,000 And $122,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PA-
Highest paying stateOregon-
Best paying companyTechtronic Industries TTI-
Best paying industry--

Differences between sound engineer and assistant audio engineer education

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

Sound EngineerAssistant Audio Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Sound engineer vs assistant audio engineer demographics

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

Sound EngineerAssistant Audio Engineer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 90.3% Female, 9.7%Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 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 engineer and assistant audio engineer duties and responsibilities

Sound engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage PowerPoint and mixing music at the same time.
  • Work for local contractor designing spreader bars for crane rigging using AutoCAD.
  • Provide equipment and engineering services for performers, musicians, bands, and DJ's.
  • Mix all live services FOH and maintain all audio, broadcasting and media system as well.
  • Experience tuning, calculating EQ settings, as well as appropriate delay times within an automobile.
  • Master multiple projects albums by working on song levels plus EQ and correct minor mix deficiencies with equalization.
  • 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 engineer vs assistant audio engineer skills

Common sound engineer skills
  • Audio Equipment, 15%
  • Venues, 11%
  • A/V, 10%
  • Technical Aspects, 8%
  • Live Sound, 5%
  • Stage Equipment, 4%
Common assistant audio engineer skills
  • Video Production, 19%
  • Audio Equipment, 7%
  • Visual Equipment, 7%
  • Analog, 6%
  • Signal Flow, 5%
  • Sound Design, 5%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs