Sound Engineering Technicians
Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.
How AI Impacts Each Task
14 tasks analyzed
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 and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
Keep logs of recordings.
Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
Synchronize and equalize prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.
Convert video and audio recordings into digital formats for editing or archiving.
Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
Tear down equipment after event completion.
Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials, or film postproduction.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film. | 62.25Observed | 39.9% | 10% | |
| Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 8% | |
| Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment. | 70Estimated | 77.2% | 12% | |
| Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 12% | |
| Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 10% | |
| Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 10% | |
| Keep logs of recordings. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 3% | |
| Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made. | 62Estimated | 74.0% | 2% | |
| Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances. | 66.35Observed | 35.5% | 8% | |
| Synchronize and equalize prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 8% | |
| Convert video and audio recordings into digital formats for editing or archiving. | 57.8Observed | 72.3% | 5% | |
| Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment. | 70Estimated | 61.0% | 5% | |
| Tear down equipment after event completion. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials, or film postproduction. | 68.05Observed | 54.2% | 3% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Sound Engineering Technicians skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
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SQL Fundamentals Skill Track
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
Recording Academy CEO on How Generative AI is Upending Music Industry Jobs
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. is grappling with how generative tools are fundamentally altering music production and creator livelihoods. The industry is being forced to redefine what constitutes human artistry as algorithms threaten traditional songwriting and production roles.
Stability's New On-Device AI Threatens Commercial Music Production Jobs
Stability Audio 3.0 allows users to generate full-length, high-quality tracks directly on local devices. This drastically lowers the barrier to entry for commercial audio creation, threatening the livelihoods of stock music composers and sound designers.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis