Recording Arts

Recording arts professionals make music and record sound. They may work as producers, recording engineers, sound editors, or designers. Operating sound equipment, they record, manipulate, edit, or remix music or sounds. Their recordings are then used in various artistic works including CD's, TV, and movie productions.

Income depends on education, experience, and employment type. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports the median annual salaries as: $26,000 for broadcast technicians, $29,260 for radio operators, $32,570 for audio/video technicians, $38,000 for sound engineers, $39,480 for sound studio assistants, and $45,000 for sound effects editors.

Education will maximize earning and advancement potential. An associate’s degree in Recording Arts prepares students for entry-level positions. These degree programs usually involve computer audio editing courses. Many employees in the recording industry seek those with bachelor’s degrees. Generally bachelor’s degree graduates have advanced technical knowledge and internship experience.

A good candidate for this industry needs to be competitive. They should appreciate music and sound. Technical and communication skills are essential as professionals work with a variety of people. Those with an ear for detail would be well tuned for this career.