Factfile: Sound engineering

There is no overall representative body for sound engineers but members of the Institute of Engineers of Ireland have been known…

There is no overall representative body for sound engineers but members of the Institute of Engineers of Ireland have been known to branch into sound engineering.

Wages vary hugely, but typically a sound engineer working with a top band in a large studio, will earn £30 to £50 an hour, while sound assistants in smaller studios earn £10 to £15 an hour. Getting work on gigs often depends on reputation and wages can vary from £75 to £100 and upwards for a day. Starting salaries for sound engineers in RT╔ are around £18,000, rising to £29,000. Many sound engineers work for free at first to gain experience.

Women are making more of an impact on the industry than previously and now account for about 15 per cent of sound engineers.

Olivia Kelly

Olivia Kelly

Olivia Kelly is Dublin Editor of The Irish Times