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The differences between sound engineers and producers 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 a producer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a producer has an average salary of $72,202, 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 a producer are work ethic, video production, and client relationships.
| Sound Engineer | Producer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,197 | $72,202 |
| Hourly rate | $25.09 | $34.71 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 6,923 | 10,610 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
A producer is an individual who is responsible for providing infrastructure, resources, and logistics in making a movie, television show, or stage production. Producers hire production staff such as director, crew, and sometimes actors to coordinate their activities throughout the production process. They support the creative team by conducting meetings to discuss the production's progress and ensure adherence to deadlines. Producers also travel often either to film on location for a movie or to tour with a theatre production.
Sound engineers and producers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sound Engineer | Producer | |
| Average salary | $52,197 | $72,202 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $95,000 | Between $43,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Techtronic Industries TTI | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a sound engineer and a producer in terms of educational background:
| Sound Engineer | Producer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Music | Communication |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sound engineers' and producers' demographics:
| Sound Engineer | Producer | |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 58.2% Female, 41.8% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 14% |