Audio engineering is a competitive and demanding field, but it does offer the potential for high earnings. Many factors go into determining an audio engineer’s salary, including experience, skills, location, industry, and employment type. While breaking into the 6-figure range may not be common for most audio engineers, it is certainly possible with the right combination of talent, persistence, and luck.
What is an audio engineer?
An audio engineer is responsible for recording, editing, manipulating, mixing, reproducing, and mastering sound. Their goal is to achieve the best possible auditory experience for musical recordings, radio, television, movies, video games, and other media.
Audio engineers need extensive technical knowledge of recording equipment, audio software, acoustics, and audio signals. Key skills include critical listening, musicianship, project management, communication, and creativity. The job involves long hours in the recording studio manipulating complex hardware and software to get the perfect take.
How much do audio engineers make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for audio engineers in 2020 was $55,300. That works out to around $26.58 per hour. However, audio engineers have a wide range of potential salaries:
- The lowest 10% earned less than $24,940 ($12.00/hr)
- The highest 10% earned more than $208,000 ($100/hr)
So while the average audio engineer makes around $55k, there is ample room to make significantly more with high-level skills and achievements. Many engineers supplement their earnings with royalty shares and side work.
Factors affecting audio engineer salaries
Several key factors impact how much an audio engineer can make:
Factor | Influence on Salary |
---|---|
Experience level | Higher pay for more years on the job |
Industry | Higher in music, film, gaming vs radio, corporate |
Location | Major cities pay more than smaller markets |
Employment type | Staff engineers earn more than freelancers |
Reputation/credits | Big name artists/projects increase pay |
Skill set | More specialized skills mean higher pay |
Generally, audio engineers see their salaries increase steadily with more experience. According to PayScale, entry-level engineers make around $40k, mid-career makes $55k, and experienced engineers can make over $75k on average.
Industries and employment types
An audio engineer’s income often depends on their industry and whether they work as a staff employee or freelancer.
Music industry
Working with popular musicians can be very lucrative for audio engineers. Top recording engineers working with major artists may charge $5,000 per song, while experienced engineers average $150-$200/hour. Live sound engineers for concerts can make $500-$1,500 per show. Royalties from record sales also provide significant income potential.
Film/TV/Gaming
Audio positions in post-production for film, TV, and video games tend to be staff jobs with steady salaries. According to PayScale, the average is around $63k, with senior-level engineers making up to $115k. The highest earners are working in entertainment hubs like Los Angeles and New York.
Radio/broadcasting
Radio and broadcast engineering jobs generally pay modest salaries in the range of $30-50k. The highest earnings come from working for national broadcast or satellite radio networks.
Corporate/installed sound
Engineers handling live sound, installed sound systems, conferences, and other corporate AV work have lower earning potential, averaging around $45k annually.
Freelance
Freelance audio engineers typically charge $25-$100+ per hour depending on experience, skills, and client budgets. Hourly rates must cover gaps between gigs, unpaid work, benefits, etc. Freelancers can earn over $100k but need consistency in booking high-paying work.
What skills increase audio engineer pay?
Certain skills and specializations allow audio engineers to maximize their earning potential compared to peers. These include:
- Mixing: Skilled mixing engineers can demand much higher rates, especially for music projects.
- Mastering: Specializing in mastering allows charging premium rates with less time commitment.
- Equipment expertise: Knowing high-end consoles like Neve, API, etc. brings higher project rates.
- Technical certifications: Getting certified in key technologies like Avid Pro Tools boosts pay.
- Musicianship: Strong musical skills allow engineers to better collaborate with artists.
- Problem-solving: Troubleshooting technical issues quickly is highly valued.
- Speed: Working quickly without sacrificing quality saves money.
- Management: Overseeing teams and complex projects increases pay.
Developing expertise in these high-demand skills allows audio engineers to stand out and qualify for top-paying work, especially in the music industry.
How can you make 6 figures as an audio engineer?
While reaching a 6-figure salary ($100k+) is challenging, it’s possible for the most successful audio engineers through these paths:
Work with top artists and producers
The most direct route to high pay is mixing, tracking, or mastering for popular musicians and record producers. At the very top level, working with artists like Beyonce, Kanye, Taylor Swift or legends like Quincy Jones can mean paydays of $5-10k per song.
Get staff positions at major studios
While still difficult to land, full-time staff positions at elite commercial studios in L.A., New York, Nashville, etc. can pay over $100k annually with enough experience.
Work on hit films, shows, or games
Having engineering credits on widely successful movies, TV series, or video games boosts profile. The associated studios often hire back the same top-tier mixers across projects.
Specialize in a niche skillset
Developing in-demand specialties like Mandy Parnell’s mastering or Dave Pensado’s mixing let you charge premium rates. Traveling for work expands opportunities.
Build loyal client base as a freelancer
Freelance engineers can clear 6 figures by working consistently for high-rate clients. Securing retainer contracts provides stability.
Start a personal brand and company
Launching a personal audio brand through books, courses, plugins, etc. provides licensing fees and passive income potential to boost overall earnings.
Conclusion
In summary, crossing the 6-figure threshold as an audio engineer requires being at the very top of the field in skills and reputation. Most will fall short of this benchmark. However, the potential exists for $100k+ paydays by working with elite artists, studios, and clients, specializing in niche skills, or monetizing your expertise through products and branding.
The key is perseverance – keep honing your craft, make smart career moves, build your network, and leap at the right opportunities. With enough talent and hustle, a 6-figure audio engineering income is an ambitious but achievable goal.