Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Sound Engineering Technician

job outlook graphic

JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

Suggested Steps to Prepare for a Sound Engineering Technician Career (Grades 6-12)

Check out the recommended classes, activities and skills below for each grade level. These recommendations are very general -- discuss your specific course plan with your school counselors and teachers.

AI-assisted and curriculum-reviewed guidance. Talk with your counselor or teacher about your specific plan.
Grades 6-8

Helpful Classes

  • Math
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Design

Things to Try

  • Measure, sketch, and improve a simple design so it works better or wastes less material, Build a small model or prototype and test how shape, force, or motion changes the result, Read a diagram, map, or drawing and explain what each part does, Interview a sound engineering technician about design, testing, and solving problems

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Algebra I
  • Engineering Design
  • Computer Applications
  • Physical Science
  • Technical Drawing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • design process
  • measurements
  • technical drawing
  • basic systems
  • data recording

Things to Try

  • Join engineering, robotics, or design projects and record each test, measurement, and change, Practice using technical drawings, maps, or diagrams to build or explain a system, Compare materials, layouts, or designs and explain which one works best and why, Shadow a sound engineering technician or technical designer to see how plans are reviewed

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Geometry
  • Engineering Design
  • Physics
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Algebra II

Recommended Learning Areas

  • engineering design
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • testing
  • materials
  • problem-solving

Things to Try

  • Create a prototype, drawing, or model and test it against a clear design goal, Use measurements, formulas, or software tools to compare two design options, Practice documenting changes, tolerances, or test results in a clear format, Observe how engineers balance function, safety, cost, and reliability

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Physics
  • Precalculus
  • Engineering
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Technical Writing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • system design
  • technical analysis
  • prototyping
  • calculations
  • documentation

Things to Try

  • Complete an engineering project that includes design, testing, revision, and documentation, Use Computer-Aided Design, calculations, or technical diagrams to explain how a system works, Compare loads, motion, energy, materials, or layouts depending on the role, Interview engineers about project review, validation, and teamwork

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Calculus or Precalculus
  • Physics
  • Engineering Design
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Technical Writing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • design validation
  • technical communication
  • applied math
  • project planning
  • quality standards

Things to Try

  • Build a portfolio with designs, calculations, test results, and technical writing, Complete a capstone tied to analysis, prototyping, drafting, or system improvement, Compare pathways in design, field engineering, drafting, testing, and technical support, Practice presenting technical work clearly to both experts and non-experts

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

One to two years post-secondary training

Sound engineering technicians typically need postsecondary education. Depending on the work they do, educational requirements may vary.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Once upon a time, recording engineers could learn their trade on the job. That's no longer the case. For example, recording engineer Karen Kane went the self-taught route but wouldn't recommend that to anyone these days.

"The schools are fantastic now," she says. Without a solid education behind them, Kane doubts many hopefuls would get internships at recording studios.

"There are many recording studios, but a lot of them are struggling. There would only be a handful, maybe five or eight studios, that are at a point where they can take interns. It's very difficult to get a position."

At one time, the Federal Communications Commission required broadcast technicians to be licensed -- this is no longer the case. Still, some professionals may seek certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

The Berklee College of Music in Boston offers a highly respected music production and engineering program. It allows students to mix with musicians from Japan, Germany, Italy and France.

Extra Requirements

Although it is not required by most employers, voluntary certification may offer advantages in getting a job as a broadcast or sound engineering technician. The Society of Broadcast Engineers offers operator level, engineering level, broadcast networking, and specialist certifications. The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association offers the general Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credential as well as the design CTS and installation CTS.

For additional information, visit these websites: