Studio sound engineer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Sound engineers work in studios and make recordings of music, speech and sound effects.

  • Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.  
  • Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.  
  • Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.  
  • Regulate volume level
Read more about Studio sound engineer

Studio sound engineers typically work around 39 to 41 hours per week.

As a Studio sound engineer you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely
  • Read more about Studio sound engineer
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    45,523 GBP *
    per year
    15,000 GBP
    40,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
    Average salary for Studio sound engineer

    • 46,112 GBP
    • 40,667 GBP
    Average salary for part-time Studio sound engineer
    Average salary for full-time Studio sound engineer

    Showing:
    • 24,842 GBP
    • 19,347 GBP
    • 45,523 GBP
    • 40,667 GBP
    • 46,112 GBP
    Salary over time for Studio sound engineer

    Salary for this role has increased over time
    • 42,396 GBP
    • 42,382 GBP
    • 42,534 GBP
    • 43,712 GBP
    • 45,725 GBP
    • 44,407 GBP
    • 45,523 GBP
    • 44,522 GBP
    • 44,065 GBP
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    Future outlook for Studio sound engineers

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    Very good outlook
    168 000+ jobs available
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    Balanced outlook
    0% yearly wage growth (on average)
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    Very good outlook
    29% chance of automation in the future

    Studio sound engineer - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Studio sound engineer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 31% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
    • 25% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma
    • 22% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

    You could take a college course like:

    • Level 3 Diploma in Sound Production
    • Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology

    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Studio sound engineer

    Sound Engineering

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Studio sound engineer.
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
    Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action

    What technical skills do I need?

    Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Studio sound engineer. Check that you know:
    1
    Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
    2
    Music or sound editing software Adobe Systems Adobe Audition; Audio editing software; Avid Audio Pro Tools; Avid Technology Pro Tools
    3
    Operating system software Cisco IOS; Linux
    4
    Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
    5
    Video creation and editing software Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro; Apple Final Cut Pro; Avid Technology
    Improve your skills today

    Sound Engineering

    Things to highlight for your Studio sound engineer interview

    Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

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