Congrats, you are interested in a fascinating and multifaceted career field! Audio engineers are in demand wherever audio is recorded, edited and reproduced, from recording studios and live events to industry and broadcasting. So, what career opportunities are there in audio engineering, and how do you get a job in this line of work? Read on for more information and some essential tips from the field.
Career fields in audio engineering
First, we would like to give you an overview of the career options and jobs for sound engineers:
Many audio engineers dream of working in a recording studio. For some, this leads to self-employment, either by setting up their own studio or by offering their services as freelancers, often alongside other work. However, larger studios also occasionally hire sound assistants and audio engineers.
The scope of recording studios extends beyond music production, offering a diverse range of services such as voice recordings for podcasts and films, sound design for games and advertising, and more.
Another major field of work for sound engineers is the events industry, which involves providing sound engineering and technical support for concerts, festivals and theatre performances. However, these jobs sometimes require a high degree of flexibility and mobility, as events are often scheduled in the evenings and at weekends and can take place at different venues.
Broadcasting and television production is another important career field. This area includes jobs such as recording, mixing and post-production of audio. These professions, especially at public broadcasters, may require relevant vocational training or a degree in audio engineering.
There are many other career opportunities for sound engineers beyond recording studios, events and broadcasting. For example, companies, agencies and educational institutions seek specialists in audio engineering and sound design for events, media productions and product development.
Fortunately, many audio engineering jobs are open to qualified and motivated career changer. While other industries and professions require specific, officially approved qualifications or degrees, audio engineering offers a wide range of career opportunities to those with the necessary skills, experience and certificates.
Factors to consider when making your career choice
1. Your place of work
Job availability can vary depending on the region you are exploring. In large cities and areas with thriving media and entertainment industries, job opportunities and salaries tend to be higher. However, you should also expect higher living costs, such as rent, utilities and food. Nowadays, though, some professions allow for remote working, meaning freelancers do not always have to be in the same place as their clients. Therefore, living in a less expensive area outside a major city is not necessarily a disadvantage.
2. (Professional) experience
As you gain professional experience and practical skills, your value on the job market will generally increase, as you will be able to take on more complex tasks and greater responsibility. Therefore, expect a lower salary when you start your career and set yourself salary targets for the coming years.
3. Training and certificates
If you continue your training regularly and obtain relevant certificates, you will improve your prospects with employers, find more attractive jobs and significantly increase your earning potential.
4. Knowledge ‘beyond the horizon’
Audio engineers who expand their expertise with training in related fields have better chances on the job market. For example, knowledge of music production, sound design or audiovisual media can be a big plus. Having skills in these areas can qualify you for higher-level jobs with more responsibility.
That’s why our AUDIO DIPLOMA online course covers not only recording, producing, mixing and mastering, but also topics such as the music business, sound design, acoustics, film sound, podcasting and music video production.
5. Your presentation during the application process
Don’t underestimate the influence of your personal presentation and communication skills when looking for a job. If you are able to communicate your competencies and present them to employers or customers, it can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. It is therefore worth taking the time to present yourself and your skills in the best possible light.
How do you get a job in the audio industry?
Especially when you are just starting out, it is important to be open to different types of jobs and not focus too much on one niche in your applications.
But before you apply, it is important to have your application documents in order.
Remember to include the following:
- A complete and up-to-date CV (curriculum vitae)
- A personalised cover letter written specifically for the employer
- References from previous employers (if possible)
- School and training certificates and diplomas
- Work samples in which you clearly describe the responsibilities you had in production
- Any references if you have already worked for customers
Check that all your documents are free of spelling and grammatical errors, and that the scans are legible and the files intact. A flawless application creates a good first impression and can open doors.
Certificates and lifelong learning are particularly important in the media industry, where you need to demonstrate that you have up-to-date knowledge in order to keep up with the fast pace of the sector.
For example, graduates of the HOFA College’s one-year bachelor programme, which builds directly on the HOFA AUDIO DIPLOMA course, also report good career prospects and salary after graduation:
Potential employers can be found online. In addition to an online search, you should use job boards such as Indeed or Glassdoor, searching within a wide local radius and using many keywords to ensure you get a wide range of options.
Unsolicited applications can often be successful; this involves contacting companies that do not have any suitable vacancies advertised. Thoroughly research the companies’ profiles and make it clear in your cover letter why hiring you would be worthwhile. And don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a job right away. Hard work and perseverance pay off in the application process.
An internship can also be a good way to get started in the industry. You probably won’t get the salary you want right away, but you’ll gain important experience, contacts and references that will help you with future applications.
If you decide to become a freelancer, it is particularly important to establish your personal brand and build up a network. As in many creative sectors, visibility is crucial in the audio industry. You should therefore have your own website and be active on social media and platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and SoundCloud. Regularly post new content to showcase your work and attract potential customers or clients.
Besides actively applying for jobs, it’s also a good idea to attend workshops, trade fairs and industry events. These are great places to deepen your knowledge and network with people who could help you find work or recommend you for future jobs. Networking can be extremely beneficial in the audio industry, where many positions are filled through personal contacts or recommendations.
Conclusion
A career in audio engineering offers creative and varied work. Considering the time you will spend on the job each day, it is important that you enjoy your work, and that it is both challenging and meaningful. An audio engineering career can give you all of this.
And there are good prospects for the industry, according to the Global Music Report 2024, which records significant growth for the European music industry in 2024: compared to 2023, it has grown by 8.3%.
Source: IFPI Global Music Report 2025
If you want to build on your passion for audio engineering and music production and are considering a career in the professional audio industry, further training is the ideal way to prepare for your future. After all, quality is the best way to impress.
At HOFA-College, you will acquire relevant knowledge, gain practical experience through assignments and exercises, and obtain important certificates that prove your skills. All this is provided by the HOFA AUDIO DIPLOMA, our two-year online course in audio engineering and music production.
