Sound Engineer Salary in 2026
Record, mix, and master audio for music, film, television, and live events.
Median Salary
$55,000
$4,583/mo
Entry Level
$35,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$82,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Sound Engineer Overview
Record, mix, and master audio for music, film, television, and live events.
Education
Certificate/Bachelor's
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
15K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$26.44/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,583
Sound Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Sound Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Sound Engineer Salary
$66,000
$5,500/month · $2,538/biweekly · $31.73/hr
Sound Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Sound Engineer field.
Entry-level Sound Engineers earn around $35,000, while the top 10% earn $93,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Sound Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $65,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $63,000 | +$8,000 |
| Texas | $54,000 | $-1,000 |
| Georgia | $53,000 | $-2,000 |
| Tennessee | $51,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Sound Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $65,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $62,000 | +$7,000 |
| Austin | $57,000 | +$2,000 |
| Atlanta | $54,000 | $-1,000 |
| Nashville | $53,000 | $-2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Sound Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Sound Engineer from entry level to expert.
$35,000
0-2 years
$59,000
3-7 years
$82,000
8-14 years
$105,000
15+ years
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Sound Engineer Salary FAQ
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