SOC 27-4014
Sound Engineering Technicians
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ46/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ13,050
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$66K
$37K โ $135K
Projected Growth
๐-1.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค78/100
High exposure
๐ก Sound Engineering Technicians face a risk score of 46/100 โ 2 points above the national average of 44. With 78/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $66K ($20K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 46/100, Sound Engineering Technicians faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like generative ai creating visual art and design assets are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 13,050 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in original creative vision and artistic direction and emotionally resonant storytelling and narrative craft to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Sound Engineering Technicians?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Generative AI creating visual art and design assets
Large language model automation of analysis tasks
AI video editing and post-production automation
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Original creative vision and artistic direction
Emotionally resonant storytelling and narrative craft
Collaborative creative ideation and brainstorming
Live performance and audience engagement
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
๐ป Technology Skills
Document management software
Music or sound editing software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Desktop publishing software
Video creation and editing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Communications and Media
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | 23 | $73K | 76% |
| Fashion Designers | 23 | $81K | 76% |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | 25 | $100K | 72% |