Salary distribution
Where San Francisco 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 $70,180 and $146,460, with a median of $98,220.
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.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for sound engineering technicians.
- Los Angeles$77,620
- Riverside$59,330
- San Diego$58,630
- San Jose—
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Sound Engineering Technicians in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Sound Engineering Technicians in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $98,220.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Sound Engineering Technicians?
- The San Francisco metro median is +25.9% versus the California state median of $78,020.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Sound Engineering Technicians?
- The San Francisco metro median is +37.3% versus the BLS national figure of $71,544.
- What is the salary range for Sound Engineering Technicians in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $52,240 and the 90th-percentile at $164,680 for the San Francisco 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco 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.