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Sound Engineer: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like playing with sound? Can you recognize quality sound? Can you pick out pitch and tone? Are you flexible, patient, and able to think logically? Then you may want to fine-tune your future by becoming a sound engineer for live events.
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Occupations in Alberta

Sound Engineer

Sound engineers use a variety of techniques and electronic equipment to control the sound components of live events such as theatre performances and music concerts.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Audio Visual Technician, Front of House Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Mix Engineer, Sound Technician,

NOC Codes

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.

2006 NOC

  • 5225: Audio and Video Recording Technicians

2006 NOC-S

  • F125: Audio and Video Recording Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 5225: Audio and video recording technicians

2016 NOC

  • 5225: Audio and video recording technicians

2021 NOC

  • 52113: Audio and video recording technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 52113.00: Audio and video recording technicians
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Sound engineers control and produce the sound that audiences and performers hear in live, amplified performances.

Sound 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, sound engineers control the sound components of live events.

Before the event, sound engineers:

  • Discuss sound requirements with the production director, sound designer, artists, or their representatives
  • Develop a sound plot, which is a script of sound effects, music, and changes in sound level
  • Select music and sound effects, such as birdsong or traffic noises, from a sound library or a recording they have made
  • Develop and program the playback of sound plots using a variety of audio equipment such as digital playback automation software
  • Select and position microphones and loudspeakers or direct others to do so
  • Lay any necessary electrical and audio cables or direct others to do so
  • Conduct system tests before performances to ensure all sound equipment is placed and working properly

During a rehearsal, sound check, or performance, sound engineers continue adjusting sound. To do this, they need input from directors, sound designers, or performers. They:

  • Balance amplification
  • Equalize frequency response
  • Mix sound components
  • Operate the sound desk or mixing console during shows according to the sound plot and cues from the stage manager

In addition, sound engineers maintain sound equipment. They may be responsible for the house sound system or the performers’ monitor system.

In smaller organizations, sound engineers also may help with recording the performance or lighting. For more information, see the Television Camera Operator and Lighting Technician occupational profiles.

Some sound engineers work on touring live shows performed in a series of different venues. For each venue, they may supervise the set up and tear down of the entire sound system. Or they may do the work themselves. Ensuring the audience and performers can hear the sound effects and live music to the best effect can be a challenge. It can be even harder in venues without an acoustically stable environment.

Sound engineers control the sound components of live events. For information about those who mix and balance sound sources for recordings, see the Recording Engineer occupational profile.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Sound engineers work in theatres and other performance venues. They often work in semi-darkness at a control desk near the back of the venue. They occasionally work at heights.

Those who travel with a show sometimes work outdoors in all weather conditions. Some lifting is required to move and place sound equipment. This equipment can weigh 20 kilograms or more.

Sound engineers commonly work evenings, weekends, and holidays. They may need to work long hours during rehearsal periods. They may spend a lot of time travelling on performance tours.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Audio and video recording technicians
2023 OaSIS: 52113.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 2
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 3
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Audio and video recording technicians
2023 OaSIS: 52113.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Sound engineers need:

  • Patience, understanding, and flexibility
  • Self-motivation
  • Versatility
  • Excellent hearing with an ear for audio quality, including musical pitch and tone
  • The stamina to work long hours
  • Logical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Quick thinking and decision-making ability
  • The ability to adapt quickly to different technologies

They should enjoy:

  • Trouble-shooting problems
  • Using electronic equipment to perform precision tasks

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Audio and video recording technicians

2016 NOC: 5225

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 60 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Sep 26, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Operate audio-visual or electronic equipment
Tasks: Operate mixing, dubbing, editing machinery and equipment
Tasks: Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment and edit video tape after production
Tasks: Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment at concerts and live events
Attention to detail
Flexibility
Team player
Video production
Tasks: Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input
Work under pressure
Tasks: Operate audio-visual or electronic equipment 46
Tasks: Operate mixing, dubbing, editing machinery and equipment 41
Tasks: Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment and edit video tape after production 41
Tasks: Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment at concerts and live events 35
Attention to detail 32
Construction Specialization: Flexibility 31
Construction Specialization: Team player 30
Video production 29
Tasks: Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input 28
Work under pressure 27
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

There are no formal education requirements for sound engineers. However, a related post-secondary certificate or diploma is an asset when seeking employment.

Most sound engineers learn on the job and take related courses. They have acquired a working knowledge of sound reinforcement technologies as well as digital audio workstations (DAWs). They need excellent knowledge of audio equipment, especially PA systems, microphones, and mixing consoles.

Knowledge of different types of music, 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.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Most sound engineers are self-employed. They may work on a contract basis for:

  • Theatre and dance companies
  • Live sound re-enforcement companies
  • Clubs
  • Bands
  • Audiovisual companies
  • Cruise lines
  • Online content creators

It can be difficult to break into sound engineering. Experience is an asset. Examples of work experience include:

  • Working on a practicum placement through a school training program
  • Volunteering at a performance venue
  • Volunteering with religious organizations, community associations, and recreation facilities
  • Working with bands, music festivals, and dance or theatre organizations

Continuing to develop skills on your own time with your own equipment can be useful as well. Those new to the industry usually start out as a “gopher” or assistant engineer in a theatre or as a “roadie” for a band. Then they 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 productions. Experienced sound engineers may:

  • Become sound designers or technical production managers
  • Move into related occupations in radio, television, and film or game design
  • Move into sound equipment sales, installation, and maintenance

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Audio and video recording technicians

2021 NOC: 52113
Average Wage
$27.26
Per Hour
Average Salary
$53,986.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.9
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 52113 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $25.96 $19.68 $20.00
Overall $21.69 $37.98 $27.26 $25.48
Top $30.00 $67.31 $40.19 $38.75

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $53,986
Public Administration $74,119

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
47%
47%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
44%
44%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
13%
13%
Vacancy Rate
7%
Related High School Subjects
  • Fine Arts
    • Drama
    • Music
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
    • Physics
  • Media, Design and Communication Arts
    • Communication Technology
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Communications
  • Fine Arts and Performing Arts
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Alberta Music Industry Association website: www.albertamusic.org

Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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.

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