Recording Engineer
Recording engineers use a variety of techniques and electronic equipment to record, mix, process, manipulate and edit sound in production studios.
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Audio Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, Music Recording Engineer, Sound Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment to mix, combine and edit music and sound at concerts and live events and to operate electronic equipment to generate program titles, credits, subtitles, graphic backgrounds or animation for television programs
Interest in compiling information to play back edited sound tracks in synchronization with motion picture films
Interest in mixing, combining and editing music and sound at concerts and live events, and synchronizing edited dialogue, music and sound effect tracks from different sources
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Recording engineers work in recording studios, film post-production houses, radio stations, multimedia companies and on film sets. Most sound recordings are made on multitrack digital recording equipment, digital audio work stations or hard disc-based computers/samplers.
Recording engineers are not considered professional engineers and do not engage in the practice of engineering as defined in the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf].
Unlike professional engineers who may design or construct audio systems, recording engineers:
In the past, studios often used analogue recording equipment and SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) or MIDI time code for synchronization. Now, most recording engineers use computers that allow them to work in a non-destructive format, work faster and more efficiently, and collaborate with others in locations throughout the world.
For information about engineers who control the sound components of live events, see the Sound Engineer occupational profile.
Recording engineers may be required to work long hours in a studio or on a film set to meet project deadlines. Evening, weekend and holiday work is common.
Working environments range from large, air-conditioned studios to basements in private homes.
Recording engineers need to possess:
They should enjoy using electronic equipment to perform tasks requiring precision and trouble-shooting problems.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 14 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Feb 01, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
Operate audio-visual or electronic equipment | 7 |
---|---|
Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 5 |
Personal Suitability: Team player | 5 |
Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 5 |
Personal Suitability: Organized | 5 |
Personal Suitability: Initiative | 5 |
Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 5 |
Construction Specialization: Initiative | 5 |
Tasks: Operate audio-visual or electronic equipment | 5 |
Tasks: Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input | 5 |
Although a related post-secondary certificate or diploma is an asset when seeking employment, there are no formal education requirements for recording engineers. Most have acquired a working knowledge of computer-based recording technologies, such as digital mixing and random access editing, and an ability to adapt quickly to many different recording formats and devices by learning on the job and taking related courses.
Knowledge of different types of music and music theory and harmony is an asset for those who work on music projects. For information about post-secondary music programs in Alberta, see the Instrumental Musician occupational profile.
For information about post-secondary programs related to broadcasting, see the Television Audio/Video Operator profile.
Training to become a recording engineer is very specialized and only a few private vocational schools in Canada offer it. Occasionally, colleges, technical institutes, recording studios and electronic music stores offer evening courses or short seminars in sound recording. Aspiring recording engineers should discuss their career plans with people and employers in the industry before enrolling in a training program.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
It can be difficult to break into recording engineering. Experience working on a practicum placement through a school training program or as a volunteer at a cable television station is an asset. Beginning in radio commercial production is another option.
It is common in the industry for someone to start out as a "gopher" or assistant engineer, and work their way up. You must be willing to work for little money to gain practical experience and establish a reputation for good work. Advancement generally takes the form of working on more complex projects and building a reputation for good work. Some recording engineers move into related positions, such as producer, or open their own recording studios.
Recording engineers work for:
Some freelance recording engineers set up their own basement or project recording studios. Experienced studio recording engineers may advance to producer positions.
Recording engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5225: Audio and video recording technicians. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $15.00 | $75.00 | $31.15 | $27.39 |
Overall | $15.00 | $75.00 | $34.78 | $32.96 |
Top | $15.00 | $75.00 | $37.37 | $34.62 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
Public Administration | $73,327 |
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ALL INDUSTRIES | $53,209 |
Alberta Music Industry Association website: www.albertamusic.org
Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) website: cimamusic.ca
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) website: www.smpte.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.