Audio Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Audio Engineering Technology is a specialized field focused on the scientific and technical aspects of sound creation, manipulation, and reproduction. This program equips students with the expertise to design, operate, and optimize audio systems in professional music, broadcast, and entertainment environments.
- Acoustics: The study of sound behavior in physical spaces, including wave propagation, resonance, and sound absorption, essential for optimizing recording and listening environments.
- Audio Mixing: The process of balancing and blending individual audio tracks to create a cohesive, dynamic final product with precise spatial and tonal control.
- Audio Production: The comprehensive workflow of planning, recording, editing, and finalizing audio content for commercial or artistic release across music, film, and digital media.
- Audio Recording: Techniques and technologies involved in capturing high-fidelity sound using microphones, preamplifiers, and digital audio workstations.
- Computer Composition of Music: Utilizing digital audio software and hardware to create, arrange, and produce music using virtual instruments, MIDI, and algorithmic tools.
- Music Theory: Foundational knowledge of harmonic structure, melody, rhythm, and form to support informed decision-making in audio design and creative collaboration.
- Digital Devices: Mastery of digital signal processors, audio interfaces, control surfaces, and networking systems that form the backbone of modern audio engineering workflows.
- Sound Technology: The integration of electronic, software, and hardware systems to capture, process, transmit, and reproduce sound with precision and clarity.
Audio Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Audio Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Audio Engineering Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Sound Engineering Technicians and Disc Jockeys, Except Radio. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 85,630 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians 27-4014 | $66,430 | $36,600 - $134,980 | 13,050 | $31.94 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio 27-2091 | N/A | N/A | 8,170 | $20.59 |
Audio Engineering Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,780 in Utah to $105,335 in District of Columbia—a 116% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Washington, and Maine. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 85,630 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Audio Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Audio Engineering Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Audio Engineering Technology is found at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) (28 graduates), Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) (19 graduates), Five Towns College (9 graduates), University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (5 graduates), and Weatherford College (WC) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 76 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19 | McKinney, Texas | Public | collin.edu |
| Five Towns College |
Master's
|
9 | Dix Hills, New York | Private | ftc.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Weatherford College (WC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Weatherford, Texas | Public | wc.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Associate's
|
4 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Other Award
|
3 | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Black Hawk College (BHC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Moline, Illinois | Public | bhc.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Audio Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Audio Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Audio Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually, while Sound Engineering Technicians earn around $66,430. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $105,335 compared to $48,780 in Utah. Approximately 85,630 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Audio Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Audio Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) (28 graduates), Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) (19 graduates), and Five Towns College (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Audio Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Sound Engineering Technicians, and Disc Jockeys, Except Radio. Related occupations employ approximately 85,630 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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