As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Audio Engineer in the United States is $68,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Entry Level Audio Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Audio Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Audio Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Level Audio Engineer | $66,881 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Level Audio Engineer | $67,244 |
| Senior Level Entry Level Audio Engineer | $68,090 |
| Specialist Level Entry Level Audio Engineer | $69,058 |
| Expert Level Entry Level Audio Engineer | $71,020 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Level Audio Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.18% |
| Product Quality | 2.52% |
| Food Service | 1.26% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$76,942 |
13%
|
|
Menu Development
|
$76,942 |
13%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$75,580 |
11%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$74,219 |
9%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$74,219 |
9%
|
|
Product Quality
|
$72,857 |
7%
|
For Entry Level Audio Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Hospitality & Leisure, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Entry Level Audio Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Entry Level Audio Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality & Leisure | $81,708 | $39.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Audio Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Level Audio Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $63,500 and $68,853).
Entry Level Audio Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 26.9% |
| Associates | 42.3% |
| Bachelors | 28.8% |
| Masters | 1.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Audio Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Entry Level Audio Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,656 in 2023 to around $42,361 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Audio Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,656 |
| 2024 | $42,974 |
| 2025 | $42,361 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Hospitality & Leisure industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Audio Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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