Studio sound engineer
Career outlook for studio sound engineer
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£17,000
£17,000
Experienced
£40,000
£40,000
Currently employed in Scotland
4,900
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would make high quality recordings of music, speech and sound effects.
You would use electronic equipment to record sound for uses such as:
- Commercial music recordings
- Radio, TV, film and advertising
- Corporate videos
- Websites
- Computer games and other interactive media
You would:
- Plan recording sessions with producers and artists
- Set up microphones and equipment in the studio
- Make sure the recording levels are set correctly
- Use recording equipment and add effects
- Record each instrument or item onto a separate track
- Mix tracks to produce a final version
- Log tapes and other details of the session
With experience, you might also act as studio manager.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
42%
Part-time
18%
Self employed
40%
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Find a jobTop skills
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- Cooperating
- Verbal communication
- Working with technology
- Creative
- Innovative
- Resourceful
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Developing a plan
- Taking initiative
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Qualifications
There are no set entry qualifications required to enter this job but qualifications and experience of sound technology and the music industry such as a Higher National Diploma in Sound Production (SCQF level 8) will be of value.
You can enter some Sound Production National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in areas like sound production, music technology or audio engineering usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
If you choose to study to degree level, then relevant HNC/D qualifications may support entry into second or third year of some degree courses.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Another way into this job would be to start as a runner or an assistant in a recording studio and learn on the job.
Useful subjects
Depending on the course, some of these will be required:
- English
- Maths
- Music
- Music technology
- Physics
- Technologies subjects such as ICT or engineering science
You will also need
A good knowledge of music and recording technology.
Helpful to have
It may be useful to understand physics and electronics.