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Audio Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, Sound Technician, Front of House Engineer
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 mix sound in live performances to produce the sound audiences and performers hear. Performers may use earphones or monitors to hear only specific voices or instruments.
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:
In addition, sound engineers
For live shows performed in a series of different venues, sound engineers may supervise the set up and tear down of the entire sound system or do the work themselves. It can be challenging to ensure the audience and performers can hear the sound effects and live music to the best effect, particularly in venues without an acoustically stable environment.
In smaller organizations, sound engineers also may assist with lighting (for more information, see the Lighting Technician occupational profile).
Sound engineers work in theatres and other performance venues, often in semi-darkness at a control desk near the back. They occasionally may 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, which can weigh 20 kg or more.
Working evenings, weekends and holidays is common in this occupation. Sound engineers may be required to work long hours during rehearsal periods or spend a lot of time traveling 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 must:
They should enjoy trouble-shooting problems and using electronic equipment to perform tasks requiring precision.
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 41 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Apr 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Operate audio-visual or electronic equipment | 29 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input | 29 |
| Tasks: Operate mixing, dubbing, editing machinery and equipment | 24 |
| Tasks: Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment at concerts and live events | 24 |
| Tasks: Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment and edit video tape after production | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 19 |
| Attention to detail | 19 |
| Video production | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 15 |
Although a related post-secondary certificate or diploma is an asset when seeking employment, there are no formal education requirements for sound engineers. Most have acquired a working knowledge of today's computer-based recording technologies (for example, digital mixing consoles and random access editing). They have also developed an ability to adapt quickly to many different recording formats and devices by learning on the job and taking related courses. Sound engineers must be very versatile, keep up to date with changing technology and be able to work in many different circumstances.
An understanding of music theory and harmony is an asset for those who work on music projects.
Aspiring sound 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 sound engineering. Experience working on a practicum placement through a school training program or as a volunteer at a performance venue is an asset.
Most sound engineers are self-employed. They may work on a contract basis for:
It is common in the industry for someone to start out as a "gofer" or assistant engineer in a theatre or a "roadie" for a band, 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 increasingly complex productions. Experienced sound engineers may become sound designers or technical production managers, or move into related occupations in radio or television, or sound equipment sales, installation and maintenance.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5225: Audio and video recording technicians occupational group, 79.1% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5225: Audio and video recording technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 |
|---|---|
| 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 Jan 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.
