Types of audio-related jobs in the USA

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There are many types of audio-related jobs in the USA, spanning creative, technical, corporate, and educational fields. Here’s an organized overview of common roles, what they do, and where they typically work:

Creative & Entertainment Audio Roles

These jobs focus on producing and shaping sound for media:

Audio Engineer / Sound Engineer

Records, mixes, and masters audio for music, film, TV, podcasts, and games

Works in studios, live venues, post-production facilities

Music Producer

Guides the creative and technical process of making music

Works with artists to develop tracks from demo to final release

Mixing & Mastering Engineer

Mixing: balances tracks (vocals/instruments)

Mastering: final polish for distribution

Often freelance or at specialized studios

Live Sound Technician / Front-of-House (FOH) Engineer

Mixes sound at concerts and events

Sets up PA systems, monitors, and microphones

Sound Designer

Creates sound effects and audio textures for films, games, apps

Works in post-production or game studios

Foley Artist / ADR Recordist

Foley: records custom sound effects (footsteps, props)

ADR: records replacement or enhanced dialogue

Broadcast & Media Audio Roles

These focus on audio for media distribution:

Radio/Podcast Producer

Plans, records, edits episodes

Coordinates guests, segments, audio quality

Broadcast Engineer

Maintains and operates audio equipment for radio/TV stations

Ensures signal quality and compliance

Gaming & Interactive Audio Jobs
Game Audio Designer

Implements sound effects, music, voiceovers in games

Audio Programmer

Corporate & Technical Audio Roles
Audio Technician / AV Specialist

Operates and maintains audio/visual equipment at events, offices, houses of worship

Acoustics Consultant

Designs spaces (studios, theaters, offices) for optimal sound

Works with architects and engineers

Audio Software Developer

Builds audio plugins, DAWs, synthesis tools, DSP algorithms

Education & Training
Audio Instructor / Professor

Teaches audio production and engineering at schools or online

Tutor / Online Course Creator

Teaches specific tools like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton

Support & Business Roles (Audio Industry)

These jobs support audio products and services:

Product Manager (Audio Hardware/Software)

Guides audio tech product development

Sales & Support Specialist

Works for Pro Audio companies or retailers

Music Licensing / Audio Rights Coordinator

Manages music clearance for media use

Typical Work Settings

Recording studios
Post-production houses
Broadcast stations
Concert venues & theaters
Game studios
Corporate/AV event companies
Freelance / remote work
Education & online platforms

How to Enter the Field

Common paths include:

Degrees in audio engineering, music production, media arts

Vocational programs or bootcamps

Certifications (Pro Tools, AVIXA CTS)

Building a strong portfolio/demo reel

Internships or assisting established professionals.