Sound Engineer
19AI EXPOSURE TODAY19
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST64%
NOT A FORECAST64%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £35,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM CREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN →
Sound Engineer
Sound engineers are the unsung heroes of the music and entertainment industry, expertly crafting the auditory experience that shapes our emotional connection to media. In the UK, where music and film industries thrive, sound engineers play a pivotal role in ensuring that every note, dialogue, and sound effect resonates perfectly with audiences worldwide.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (19), and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Sound EngineerAs a Junior Sound Engineer, you will assist senior engineers in setting up equipment and learning the basics of sound mixing and editing. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in the industry.£25,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Sound EngineerIn a Mid-Level role, you will take on more responsibility, managing projects and collaborating directly with artists. Your technical skills will be crucial in delivering high-quality audio for recordings and live events.£40,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Sound EngineerAs a Senior Sound Engineer, you will lead projects, mentor junior staff, and work closely with high-profile clients. Your expertise will shape the sound of major productions, making you a key player in the industry.£70,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Performance (Acting)Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Limited · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,500 median
🎓Production ArtsGuildhall School of Music & Drama · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Theatre and Performance StudiesUniversity of Bristol · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Game Design and DevelopmentLondon South Bank University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,500 median
🎓Fashion Communication with Business StudiesUniversity of Brighton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,000 median
🎓Music, Multimedia and ElectronicsThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£26,000 median
All Creative Arts and Design courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely. Some employers will take you on here with no formal qualifications at all, if you can show you can do the work.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Performance (Acting)Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Limited · DegreeProduction ArtsGuildhall School of Music & Drama · DegreeTheatre and Performance StudiesUniversity of Bristol · DegreeGame Design and DevelopmentLondon South Bank University · DegreeFashion Communication with Business StudiesUniversity of Brighton · DegreeMusic, Multimedia and ElectronicsThe University of Leeds · Degree