Sound Technology Education Requirements and Career Information

A career in sound technology requires little to no formal education. Learn about schooling, training and job duties to see if this is the right career for you.

Sound engineer and sound editor are two career choices for those with a background in sound technology. Audio engineers can work in various industries, capturing, mixing, and mastering sound effects, spoken dialogue, or music. Sound editors typically work for film and television industries where they manipulate music, speech, and sounds effects.

Essential Information

Sound technology involves recording and manipulating sound waves, which can include spoken words, music or sound effects. Those interested in sound technology will learn about analog and digital recording, how each method works and how to manipulate the resulting sound files. Although there are no specific degree programs for sound technology, those interested in the field typically study audio engineering.

Career Sound Engineering Technician
Required Education High school diploma or equivalent, though many in this field hold either associate's or bachelor's degree
Other Requirements Experience with audio equipment
Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)* 8% for sound engineering technicians
Median Salary (2015)* $53,330 for sound engineering technicians

Source: *US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Sound Engineer

Sound engineers record, mix and reproduce sound files in recording studios or on location. Sound engineers are often needed at concerts, sporting events and television and film sets. Because of the many places in which recordings are used and manipulated, sound engineers' careers can vary greatly depending on their area of concentration. They may engineer recordings of vocal and instrumental music performances; dialogue from theater events, films, or television; radio and television broadcasts; or sound effects for productions or video games.

Education Requirements

Formal training typically isn't required for an entry-level position as a sound engineer, although a high school diploma and experience with audio/visual equipment (such as in a school's AV club) is highly recommended. Audio engineering programs are offered at the associate's and bachelor's levels. Those interested in careers in films, radio or television broadcasting or music may complete specialized concentrations in those areas as part of their educations. Sound engineers can obtain voluntary certification through the Society of Broadcast Engineers. Because of continually changing technology, sound engineers may need to complete continuing education or on-the-job training throughout their careers.

Career Information

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, sound engineering technicians can expect an 8% employment increase from 2014 to 2024, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. The most growth will be in the area of digital audio technology, but these positions will be highly competitive. According to the BLS, the median yearly salary for sound engineering technicians was $53,330 in May 2015.

Sound Editor

Sound editors work in the film and television industries to choose and produce the music and sound effects for motion picture or television productions. They also edit and manipulate dialogue and background sound in order to create or enhance the mood of a film or television show. Some sound editors can become film librarians, who are the people responsible for organizing and cataloging sound files and selecting footage for editors.

Education Requirements

Those interested in a career as a sound editor can complete a certificate or degree program at a vocational or technical school. However, the most popular degree programs for sound editors are associate and bachelor's degrees in audio engineering or media production with a concentration in audio or sound engineering. These programs emphasize recording, mixing and mastering techniques and general education.

Career Information

Sound editors work in the motion picture and television industry. While the BLS didn't list specific job outlook or salary information for sound editors, it did state sound engineering technicians can expect an 8% employment increase between 2014 and 2024 in addition to a median salary of $53,330, as sound editors are also included in this field. Typically, sound editors begin in entry-level positions as assistant sound editors or boom operators and learn many of their skills on the job.

Both jobs necessitate technical skills in computers and electronic equipment, so experience is required. Sound engineers don't require formal training, though they can complete associate or bachelor's degree programs and attain certification to further their knowledge and job potential. These same programs are offered to sound editors as well since specified sound editing courses aren't usually available.

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