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Sound Engineering Technicians Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Sound Engineering Technicians make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$78,150
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.2% vs 2024
$87,550
Mean Salary
$78,150
Median Salary
$37.57
Hourly Rate
4,060 people work as Sound Engineering Technicians in California

Sound Engineering Technicians salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Sound Engineering Technicians salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Sound Engineering Technicians in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $45,720$45,72025th25% earn less than $53,150$53,150MedianHalf earn more than $78,150$78,15075th75% earn less than $100,910$100,91090thTop 10% earn more than $143,130$143,130

Sound Engineering Technicians in California earn a median salary of $78,150 per year ($6,512/month). This is 20.8% above the national average of $64,685. California ranks #6 out of 35 states for Sound Engineering Technicians pay. Approximately 4,060 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 0.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.62
Reading Comprehension
3.38
Writing
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Computers and Electronics
4.44
Engineering and Technology
4.44
Communications and Media
4.08
Customer and Personal Service
4.04
English Language
3.89
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (22.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Sound Engineering Technicians in California

Salaries for Sound Engineering Technicians in California range from $45,720 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $143,130 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $53,150 and $100,910.

Median $78,150
P10: $45,720 P25: $53,150 P75: $100,910 P90: $143,130
10th
$45,720
25th
$53,150
Median
$78,150
75th
$100,910
90th
$143,130
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $45,720 $21.98 $3,810
25th Percentile $53,150 $25.55 $4,429
Median (50th) $78,150 $37.57 $6,512
75th Percentile $100,910 $48.51 $8,409
90th Percentile (Experienced) $143,130 $68.81 $11,927

Note: The mean (average) salary of $87,550 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#6
California ranks #6 of 35 states
$64,685
National avg. for Sound Engineering Technicians
+20.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:

What does this salary really buy? See Sound Engineering Technicians salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Sound Engineering Technicians take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Sound Engineering Technicians Data in California

Sound Engineering Technicians Salary by State

Compare Sound Engineering Technicians pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Sound Engineering Technicians make in California?
The median annual salary for Sound Engineering Technicians in California is $78,150 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $87,550.
What is the salary range for a Sound Engineering Technicians in California?
Salaries for Sound Engineering Technicians in California range from $45,720 at the 10th percentile to $143,130 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $53,150 and $100,910.
What is the starting salary for a Sound Engineering Technicians in California?
Entry-level Sound Engineering Technicians positions in California typically start around $45,720 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $53,150 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Sound Engineering Technicians in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,060 people are employed as Sound Engineering Technicians in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Sound Engineering Technicians in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Sound Engineering Technicians in California is approximately $37.57 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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