Sound designer

About this occupation

Sound designers develop a sound design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Sound designers prepare audio fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Sound  designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Sound designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating sound art outside a performance context.

A specialisation of audio-visual technician.

• Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
• Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
• Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
• Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
• Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
• Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.

Typical education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Realistic, Artistic, Conventional

Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Operations Monitoring

US median pay: US$73,130 a year (2025), 13,080 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.6)
• Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsVery important (3.8)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
• Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (3.5)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.