How to become a Sound Technician

Sound technicians operate technical equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound in support of performing arts. They may also assemble and maintain sound equipment. Sound technicians may work in radio, television and recording studios, or in theatres and other live performance venues. They may also work in wholesale and retail businesses trading in sound reproduction, recording and public address (PA) equipment. In some cases, they specialise in operating or maintaining sound equipment.

Personal requirements for a Sound Technician

A good ear for detail in all areas of sound
Aptitude for working with computers and audio equipment
Flexible attitude toward working hours and conditions
Able to work under pressure

Education & Training for a Sound Technician

You can work as a sound technician without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications and you may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a sound technician through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Duties & Tasks of a Sound Technician

Sound technicians:

Determine sound requirements
Set up, test and operate equipment in accordance with the acoustics of the area and select, place and adjust microphones
Monitor audio signals to detect quality deviations or malfunctions
Service, maintain and repair amplifiers, tuners, receivers, digital audio systems, turntables and pick-ups, reel-to-reel and cassette-type tape recorders and speaker systems
Build and install sound systems
Dub and edit tapes or compact discs
Operate controls to maintain correct sound levels
Talk with performers and instruct them on microphone use
Introduce pre-recorded special effects required by scripts.

Tasks

Selects and sets up television recording, editing and mixing equipment, and adjusts and monitors their operation.
Sets up and adjusts equipment such as microphones, and operates sound mixing consoles and associated equipment to regulate volume and sound quality.

Working conditions for a Sound Technician

Sound technicians may be required to work shifts that involve long hours in the evenings and on weekends. They often work under difficult conditions and, when working at outdoor concerts, in variable weather.

Employment Opportunities for a Sound Technician

Sound technicians are employed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), commercial radio and television broadcasting stations, film production companies, theatre and live entertainment companies and venues, sound recording studios, and PA equipment and audio reproduction businesses. Some sound technicians work on a freelance basis and may establish their own studios. This is a very competitive occupation and people sometimes need to travel interstate to find work.

Specializations

Sound Technician

Average age
37
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
9% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
56%
Employment Size
3,200
Employment by state
ACT: 1.8%
NSW: 37.5%
NT: 0.9%
QLD: 14.0%
SA: 5.5%
TAS: 1.2%
VIC: 29.8%
WA: 9.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 2.5%
20-24: 13.9%
25-34: 31%
35-44: 21.7%
45-54: 17.6%
55-59: 6.3%
60-64: 4.6%
65 and Over: 2.4%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 22.7%
Bachelor degree: 26%
Certificate III/IV: 15.1%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 4%
Year 10 and below: 5.3%
Year 11: 4.9%
Year 12: 22%