RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Sound Engineering Technicians salary in San Jose, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Jose 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

2024 wage data not published for sound engineering technicians in San Jose, California

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage estimates when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish a figure without revealing individual firm pay. The privacy redaction happens upstream, before the data reaches us.

BLS still reports an estimated 130 workers in this role in San Jose, California in 2024.

Use national figures and adjacent states below as a reference, or check BLS confidentiality rules for context.

Salary distribution

Where San Jose sound engineering technicians fall on the wage curve.

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

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.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Sound Engineering Technicians

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in California

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

Frequently asked questions

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 San Jose 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.