Post job

Sound engineer vs sound mixer

The differences between sound engineers and sound mixers 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 mixer. Additionally, a sound engineer has an average salary of $52,197, which is higher than the $37,059 average annual salary of a sound mixer.

The top three skills for a sound engineer include audio equipment, venues and A/V. The most important skills for a sound mixer are sound design, pro tools, and documentaries.

Sound engineer vs sound mixer overview

Sound EngineerSound Mixer
Yearly salary$52,197$37,059
Hourly rate$25.09$17.82
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs6,9231,182
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Sound engineer vs sound mixer salary

Sound engineers and sound mixers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sound EngineerSound Mixer
Average salary$52,197$37,059
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $95,000Between $24,000 And $55,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PA-
Highest paying stateOregon-
Best paying companyTechtronic Industries TTI-
Best paying industry--

Differences between sound engineer and sound mixer education

There are a few differences between a sound engineer and a sound mixer in terms of educational background:

Sound EngineerSound Mixer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorMusicPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityInter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Sound engineer vs sound mixer demographics

Here are the differences between sound engineers' and sound mixers' demographics:

Sound EngineerSound Mixer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 90.3% Female, 9.7%Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between sound engineer and sound mixer 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

Sound mixer example responsibilities.

  • Produce by BBC and PBS; shown nationally.
  • Sound recordist for independent film, radio, and television productions.
  • Record ADR and foley where require.
  • Mix feature length documentaries in both English and Spanish.
  • Edit and add SFX to prep shows for mix.
  • Assist in setting up various film equipment as needed.
  • Show more

Sound engineer vs sound mixer skills

Common sound engineer skills
  • Audio Equipment, 15%
  • Venues, 11%
  • A/V, 10%
  • Technical Aspects, 8%
  • Live Sound, 5%
  • Stage Equipment, 4%
Common sound mixer skills
  • Sound Design, 22%
  • Pro Tools, 15%
  • Documentaries, 14%
  • ADR, 10%
  • Sound Equipment, 9%
  • SFX, 8%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs