Sound Engineering Technicians
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 2 of 14 tasks
Keep logs of recordings.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 6.7% of the role's time · $60.0M · all three pass it
Convert video and audio recordings into digital formats for editing or archiving.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 4.4% of the role's time · $39.2M · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Does not pass
Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
physical work, outside the screen · 11.1% of the role's time · $99.2M
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
physical work, outside the screen · 11.0% of the role's time · $98.7M
Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
physical work, outside the screen · 10.9% of the role's time · $98.0M
Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 10.5% of the role's time · $93.8M
Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
physical work, outside the screen · 10.3% of the role's time · $92.2M
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
physical work, outside the screen · 7.1% of the role's time · $63.9M
Synchronize and equalize prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.
physical work, outside the screen · 6.9% of the role's time · $61.7M
Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
physical work, outside the screen · 6.2% of the role's time · $55.6M
Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
physical work, outside the screen · 6.1% of the role's time · $54.4M
Tear down equipment after event completion.
physical work, outside the screen · 4.2% of the role's time · $37.2M
Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.7% of the role's time · $33.0M
Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials, or film postproduction.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $8.1M · waiting on a check
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motion Picture and Video Industries | 3000 | $310M | $34.3M | $20.7M |
| Sound Recording Industries | 2280 | $150M | $16.6M | $10.0M |
| Performing Arts Companies | 990 | $79.7M | $8.8M | $5.3M |
| Employment Services | 420 | $45.1M | $5.0M | $3.0M |
| Software Publishers | 340 | $42.4M | $4.7M | $2.8M |
| Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events | 690 | $42.3M | $4.7M | $2.8M |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations | 590 | $39.2M | $4.3M | $2.6M |
| Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers | 480 | $39.0M | $4.3M | $2.6M |
| Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services | 220 | $27.5M | $3.1M | $1.8M |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 470 | $22.0M | $2.4M | $1.5M |