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The differences between sound engineers and sound designers 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 a sound designer. Additionally, a sound designer has an average salary of $71,949, 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 sound designer are audio assets, pro tools, and wwise.
| Sound Engineer | Sound Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,197 | $71,949 |
| Hourly rate | $25.09 | $34.59 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 6,923 | 50,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Sound designers are audio professionals who are responsible for procuring all sound effects to be used for specific show products that can be either recorded or live. These designers are required to meet with production directors to discuss the sound design for the show and to make the cue list. They are required to set up any sound reinforcement equipment that may be needed for production. Sound designers must also be familiar with sound editing programs such as Audacity and QLab.
Sound engineers and sound designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sound Engineer | Sound Designer | |
| Average salary | $52,197 | $71,949 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $95,000 | Between $42,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Techtronic Industries TTI | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a sound engineer and a sound designer in terms of educational background:
| Sound Engineer | Sound Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Music | Music |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | New York University |
Here are the differences between sound engineers' and sound designers' demographics:
| Sound Engineer | Sound Designer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |