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The differences between sound engineers and 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 engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, 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 engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Sound Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,197 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $25.09 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 6,923 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| 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.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Sound engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sound Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $52,197 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $95,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Techtronic Industries TTI | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a sound engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Sound Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Music | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between sound engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Sound Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |