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Live sound engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Audio engineer

Live sound engineers control the sound at events like theatre performances, music concerts and festivals.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a specialist course run by a drama school

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or degree in a related subject like:

  • sound engineering
  • sound engineering and music production
  • sound, light and live event engineering

You can take a subject spotlight taster course with UCAS to learn more about studying this subject at university and make sure it's right for you.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

Some sound engineers start by taking a college course to develop their skills before looking for work.

Related subjects include:

  • music technology
  • sound technology
  • technical theatre: sound, light and stage
  • T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship to get into this role, for example:

  • Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

These take around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You can get practical experience of using sound equipment to help your career prospects. This may be part of a course or you can try:

  • helping backstage in a theatre
  • being a roadie for a band
  • rigging a sound system in amateur or student theatre, or for local bands
  • working for a sound equipment manufacturer or hire company

Other Routes

Several drama schools offer degrees and diplomas in technical theatre accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools. Some of these courses include lighting and stage management as well as sound.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • persistence and determination
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a live sound engineer, you could:

  • discuss the production sound needs with the director or sound designer
  • identify places in the script where any sound effects, music and changes in sound level are needed
  • pre-record any sound effects and music
  • position and rig up microphones
  • complete sound checks before a performance
  • operate the sound desk during shows
  • follow a sound plan (known as a 'plot') and cues from the deputy stage manager
  • look after and repair equipment
  • unload, set up, dismantle and load equipment at each venue when on tour

Working environment

You could work in a theatre, at events or at a recording studio.

Your working environment may be at height, hot, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to chief sound engineer in a theatre, become a sound designer, or set up your own sound services company.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £14,231.75 a year Annually
  • Location: Burnley

Audiovisual Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £11,778 a year Annually
  • Location: Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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