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Sound mixer vs play back operator

The differences between sound mixers and play back operators 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 mixer and a play back operator. Additionally, a play back operator has an average salary of $43,574, which is higher than the $37,059 average annual salary of a sound mixer.

The top three skills for a sound mixer include sound design, pro tools and documentaries. The most important skills for a play back operator are control room, , and .

Sound mixer vs play back operator overview

Sound MixerPlay Back Operator
Yearly salary$37,059$43,574
Hourly rate$17.82$20.95
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs1,18227,895
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Sound mixer vs play back operator salary

Sound mixers and play back operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sound MixerPlay Back Operator
Average salary$37,059$43,574
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $55,000Between $30,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between sound mixer and play back operator education

There are a few differences between a sound mixer and a play back operator in terms of educational background:

Sound MixerPlay Back Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorPhotographyBusiness
Most common collegeInter American University of Puerto Rico BayamonNew York University

Sound mixer vs play back operator demographics

Here are the differences between sound mixers' and play back operators' demographics:

Sound MixerPlay Back Operator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.1% Female, 12.9%Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.0% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between sound mixer and play back operator duties and responsibilities

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

Play back operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and update show's Facebook page and website with strategically tailor content aim at growing audience base.
  • Conduct routine operating inspections of the unit, troubleshoot operational problems and respond to area emergencies or to changing operational situations.
  • Solicit previous ADT callers and transfer to sales representative.
  • Interact with the Flexo department to resolve any issues relate to machine performance.

Sound mixer vs play back operator skills

Common sound mixer skills
  • Sound Design, 22%
  • Pro Tools, 15%
  • Documentaries, 14%
  • ADR, 10%
  • Sound Equipment, 9%
  • SFX, 8%
Common play back operator skills
  • Control Room, 100%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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