Salary distribution
Where California sound engineering technicians fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $49,110 and $119,720, with a median of $78,020.
Sound Engineering Technicians pay by experience level in California
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Sound Engineering Technicians in California, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Media and entertainment leads with a median of $89,253.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media and entertainment | TRIANGLE MOON LLC | 1 | $89,253 |
| Technology and software | FYE Music Entertainment LLC | 1 | $62,650 |
| Education | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO | 1 | $75,992 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in California over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.4 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Communications and Media
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Telecommunications
Knowledge
- 3.8 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
- 02
Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
- 03
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- 04
Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- 05
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- 06
Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
- 07
Keep logs of recordings.
- 08
Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
-1.8%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Declining
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in California
Metro-level salary data for sound engineering technicians in major California metropolitan areas.
- San Francisco$98,220
- Los Angeles$77,620
- Riverside$59,330
- San Diego$58,630
- San Jose—
Compare Sound Engineering Technicians pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Sound Engineering Technicians in California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Sound Engineering Technicians in California is $78,020.
- How does California compare to the national median for Sound Engineering Technicians?
- The California median is +9.1% versus the BLS national figure of $71,544.
- What is the salary range for Sound Engineering Technicians in California?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $44,220 and the 90th-percentile at $146,460, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Sound Engineering Technicians a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment declining by -1.8% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Sound Engineering Technicians?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.