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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sound Engineer in California is $58,718 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Sound Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Sound Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,445 | $5,704 | $1,316 | $33 |
| Average | $58,718 | $4,893 | $1,129 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,966 | $4,414 | $1,019 | $25 |
Vario Productions - El Cajon, CA
Constellation Energy - SAINT LEONARD, MD
Constellation Energy - LEXINGTON PARK, MD
Constellation Energy - BARSTOW, MD
A Sound 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Sound 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 Sound Engineer | $58,957 |
| Intermediate Level Sound Engineer | $60,264 |
| Senior Level Sound Engineer | $65,138 |
| Specialist Level Sound Engineer | $65,660 |
| Expert Level Sound Engineer | $66,008 |
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 Sound Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Sound Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Sound Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Sound Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $61,653 | $30.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Sound 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,445 | $5,704 | $1,316 | $33 |
| Average | $58,718 | $4,893 | $1,129 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,966 | $4,414 | $1,019 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Sound Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Constellation Energy
MARSHALLTON, DE
Constellation Energy
LUSBY, MD
Constellation Energy
MECHANICSVILLE, MD
Constellation Energy
SAINT LEONARD, MD
Constellation Energy
CALIFORNIA, MD
Constellation Energy
HUNTINGTOWN, MD
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