How to become an Audio Engineer
Also called: Sound Engineer, Sound Technician
Operates audio equipment to record, enhance, mix and amplify sound in support of music, live performance, television, radio, film or video productions.
Main tasks
- Sets up, tests and operates audio equipment for recordings or live productions
- Adjusts audio levels and quality to ensure optimal sound
- Mixes and balances audio tracks to create desired effects
- Edits and enhances audio recordings using software and equipment
- Maintains, repairs and troubleshoots audio equipment to ensure proper functioning
- Collaborates with directors, producers and performers to achieve desired sound outcomes
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA40420); Certificate IV in Music (CUA40920); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services (CUA60220); Advanced Diploma of Music (CUA60520); Certificate IV in Video and Audio Systems (UEE41520); Diploma of Music (CUA50820); Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $95,888 a year
- About 16,300 people work in this job group now, and about 17,600 are projected by 2035. (+8.3%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Audio Engineer?
Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services; Certificate IV in Music; Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services.
How much does an Audio Engineer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $95,888 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Audio Engineer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 16,300 to about 17,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Audio Engineer?
Not always. 35% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services; Certificate IV in Music; Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services.
Will AI change the work of an Audio Engineer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04