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Sound Engineering Technicians

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media (27-4014)

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

At a Glance

Sound Engineering Technicians earns a median of $66,430/yr with -1.7% projected growth. Typical entry: Postsecondary nondegree award. Top skills: Working with Computers, Thinking Creatively, Computers and Electronics.

Median Annual Wage

$66,430/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-1.7%

Annual Openings

1

Typical Education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Skills & Requirements

Skills (8)

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.8
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.6
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.5
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.4
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.3
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.3
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.3

Knowledge (7)

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

4.6
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.9
Fine Arts

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

3.8
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

3.7
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.7
Communications and Media

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

3.5
Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.3

Abilities (15)

Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

4.1
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.0
Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

4.0
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.5
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.5
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.4
Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

3.4
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.4
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.3
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.3
Speed of Closure

The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

3.3
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.3
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.3

Technology (17)

Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
UNIX

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visio

Category: Process mapping and design software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Git

Category: File versioning software | Hot Technology

4.5
Facebook

Category: Web page creation and editing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Apple macOS

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Photoshop

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe InDesign

Category: Desktop publishing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Creative Cloud software

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Acrobat

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (19)

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.9
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

4.8
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

4.4
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.3
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.2
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.0
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.9
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.7
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.7
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.6
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

3.4
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.3
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

3.3
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.3
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

3.3
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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