Sound engineering technicians
SOC Code: 27-4014
Sound engineering technicians carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $66,430 and -1.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 16,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Sound engineering technicians (SOC 27-4014) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 16,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -1.7% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $66,430, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Sound engineering technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
- 2. Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- 3. Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
- 4. Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- 5. Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- 6. Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
- 7. Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
- 8. Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
- 9. Keep logs of recordings.
- 10. Tear down equipment after event completion.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Fine Arts
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Communications and Media
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Sales and Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Sound engineering technicians?
Sound engineering technicians has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Sound engineering technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Sound engineering technicians is projected to decline by 1.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 16,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Sound engineering technicians?
Key skills for Sound engineering technicians include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Sound engineering technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Sound engineering technicians is $66,430, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Sound engineering technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Sound engineering technicians is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Sound engineering technicians?
Sound engineering technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).