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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Sound Engineering Technicians salary in Riverside, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Riverside metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$59,330
Mean annual$72,120
Range (10th to 90th)$39,340 to $128,420
Riverside, California employment60
State vs national-17.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Riverside sound engineering technicians fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$39,34025TH$50,350MEDIAN$59,33075TH$78,69090TH$128,420

The middle 50% of workers earn between $50,350 and $78,690, with a median of $59,330.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Postsecondary nondegree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Short-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Communications and Media

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Telecommunications

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.8 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.

  4. 04

    Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.

  5. 05

    Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.

  6. 06

    Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.

  7. 07

    Keep logs of recordings.

  8. 08

    Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.

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Other metros in California

How the Riverside metro compares to other major California metro areas for sound engineering technicians.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Sound Engineering Technicians in Riverside, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Sound Engineering Technicians in the Riverside metropolitan area is $59,330.
Does Riverside pay more than the California state average for Sound Engineering Technicians?
The Riverside metro median is -24.0% versus the California state median of $78,020.
How does Riverside compare to the national median for Sound Engineering Technicians?
The Riverside metro median is -17.1% versus the BLS national figure of $71,544.
What is the salary range for Sound Engineering Technicians in Riverside?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $39,340 and the 90th-percentile at $128,420 for the Riverside metro area.
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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Riverside CBSA boundary 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.