Professionals that specialize in recording and editing sound for movies, television shows, music recordings, and live events are known as sound recordists, audio engineers, or sound technicians. If you’re considering a career in sound recording, you may be curious about how much money may be made in this industry. This post will cover the typical pay for sound recordists, their sources of income, and what you can do to start working in the audio industry.
As of May 2020, the median annual salary for sound engineering technicians was $53,390, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The richest 10% earned more than $109,080, while the lowest 10% made less than $24,010. The level of experience, location, and industry are some of the variables that can affect a sound recordist’s pay. For instance, sound recordists in the film and video sector typically make more money than their counterparts in other sectors.
Consider enrolling in a college or institution that offers a degree program in audio engineering if you’re interested in pursuing a career in this area. The University of Southern California, Full Sail University, and Berklee College of Music are a few of the top universities for audio engineering. These institutions provide students with the practical training and cutting-edge facilities they need to acquire the technical abilities required for a lucrative career in sound recording.
How do audio engineers earn a living then? Sound recordists can make a career by working as independent contractors, being employed full-time by a production business, or running their own recording studio, among other options. While individuals who work full-time may be paid a salary or an hourly wage, independent sound recordists often charge an hourly or daily rate. Possessing a recording studio might open up new revenue opportunities, such as renting out the facility to other musicians or providing audio production services.
There are still opportunities if you’re interested in making money with audio but lack the training or degree required to work as a sound recordist. For instance, you might work as a live sound engineer, audio editor, or music producer. While not always requiring the same level of technical proficiency as sound recording, these occupations still call for a thorough understanding of sound and music.
Finally, you might be curious in how long it takes to finish a program if you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in audio engineering. Associate’s degree programs in audio engineering normally last two years, whereas bachelor’s degree programs typically last four years to complete. But other institutions provide expedited courses that can be finished in as little as 18 months. To pick the one that best suits your career goals and timeline, it’s vital to investigate several programs and institutions.
In conclusion, sound recordists have the possibility to make more money with expertise and industry knowledge while still making a respectable living. A successful career in sound recording can be achieved by enrolling in a prestigious audio engineering program. Freelancing, working a full-time job, and running a recording studio are just a few of the options for earning money in the audio industry. Last but not least, earning a degree in audio engineering usually requires four years for a bachelor’s degree and two years for an associate’s degree, though accelerated programs can be offered.