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.
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Audio Visual Technician, Front of House Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Mix 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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Sound engineers need:
They should enjoy:
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 58 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Nov 28, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Tasks: Operate audio-visual or electronic equipment | 46 |
---|---|
Tasks: Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment and edit video tape after production | 41 |
Tasks: Operate mixing, dubbing, editing machinery and equipment | 41 |
Tasks: Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment at concerts and live events | 35 |
Attention to detail | 31 |
Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 30 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 29 |
Video production | 28 |
Tasks: Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input | 28 |
Work under pressure | 26 |
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.
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 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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most sound engineers are self-employed. They may work on a contract basis for:
It can be difficult to break into sound engineering. Experience is an asset. Examples of work experience include:
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:
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.
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
ALL INDUSTRIES | $53,209 |
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Public Administration | $73,327 |
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.