We surveyed 419 live sound engineers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical live sound engineer. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a live sound engineer?
Low
High
Working as a live sound engineer typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a live sound engineer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a live sound engineer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a live sound engineer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a live sound engineer.
Do live sound engineers work full-time or part-time?
22% of live sound engineers work in full-time roles while 78% work part-time.
Is being a live sound engineer stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst live sound engineers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a live sound engineer?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a live sound engineer.
How competitive is the workplace for live sound engineers?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for live sound engineers.
Does being a live sound engineer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for live sound engineers.
Are live sound engineers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Live sound engineers are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do live sound engineers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Live sound engineers tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a live sound engineer physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a live sound engineer may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are live sound engineers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Live sound engineers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a live sound engineer require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a live sound engineer.
Does being a good live sound engineer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a live sound engineer.