Sound Engineering Technicians
Overall Exposure
2025 vs 2023
Theoretical Exposure
63What AI could do
Observed Exposure
28What AI actually does
Automation Risk Score
36Displacement risk
3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)
Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.
Overall Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Theoretical Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Observed Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Automation Risk
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)
Task Breakdown
About This Occupation
If you work as a Sound Engineering Technician, AI is increasingly influencing your field. With an automation risk of 40/100 and overall exposure at 52%, this role faces medium transformation. The most automatable task is noise removal and audio restoration at 68%. Classified as an 'augment' role, AI excels at repetitive audio cleanup but live sound engineering and artistic mixing decisions require human expertise. BLS projects +5% growth through 2034, sustained by expanding podcast, streaming, and live event industries. Technicians who integrate AI-powered plugins and DAW features will enhance their productivity.
ISCO-08 classification
Broadcasting and Audio-visual Technicians
Definition
ILO original text (English)
Broadcasting and audio-visual technicians control technical functioning of equipment to record and edit images and sound and for transmitting radio and television broadcasts of images and sounds, as well as other types of telecommunication signals on land, sea or in aircraft.
Definition & vocabulary source
Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure
License: ILO CC BY 4.0
Official occupational information
- ONET27-4011.00
Audio and Video Technicians
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
View original - ONET27-4012.00
Broadcast Technicians
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.
View original - ONET27-4014.00
Sound Engineering Technicians
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.
View original - ONET27-4031.00
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
View original
Frequently Asked Questions
With an automation risk score of 36%, Sound Engineering Technicians faces a moderate level of AI-driven change. Some tasks can be automated, but many require human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot yet replicate. The role is more likely to evolve alongside AI than be replaced.
Our estimated AI automation risk score for Sound Engineering Technicians is 36% for 2025. Estimated overall AI exposure is 47%, with 63% theoretical exposure and 28% observed exposure. The estimated risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +10 points. All of these are model-generated estimates, not measurements.
The tasks with the highest automation potential for Sound Engineering Technicians are: Remove noise and apply audio restoration processing (68%), Mix and balance audio levels across multiple tracks (52%), Master final audio mixes for distribution formats (45%). These rates are our own estimates of how much of each task current AI systems can handle. They are not measurements and are not taken from any external dataset.
We estimate a +5% employment change for Sound Engineering Technicians between 2024 and 2034. This is our own estimate, not a figure published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with an estimated overall AI exposure of 47%, this occupation faces both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.
Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Sound Engineering Technicians should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.
Recent AI Impact Changes
Mar 2026: Published evergreen blog post analyzing AI impact on sound engineers: 52% exposure, 40% automation risk, noise removal 68% automated, +5% BLS growth.
[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]