Assistant Engineer Jobs

About This Music Career

As the position name implies, the Assistant Engineer has the important job of physically setting up the recording studio before a recording session takes place. This responsibility is not to be taken lightly, as studio recording time is very expensive, meaning no time should be wasted tinkering with set up.

The process begins with studio time being booked for use. Once a time block is reserved, the Assistant Engineer will receive a work order that tells what instruments will be needed, where they should be placed, etc. These instruments and equipment include microphones, consoles, booths, amps, stands, chairs and other various machines. All equipment should be connected and powered on before the session is to take place. If a piece of equipment breaks during a session, it is up to the Assistant Engineer to get it fixed as quickly as possible.

As soon as a particular recording session has ended, the Assistant Engineer takes down and puts away everything they just put up hours earlier. In some studios, it might also be the responsibility of the Assistant Engineer to maintain the tape library, doing a lot to ensure a tape does not go missing.

The Assistant Engineer usually helps out the Recording Engineer during a recording, and it is the Recording Engineer who the Assistant Engineer usually reports to.

Salaries
Because this type of position is considered as more of an entry-level job, the Assistant Engineer earns considerable less than Recording Engineers. Their minimum salary usually begins around $19,000 per year, but can grow to close to $25,000 with more experience.

Employment
Because of the low pay, Assistant Engineer may find it easier to find a job in a studio than an engineer would.

Advancement
Because they are constantly in the recording studio, an Assistant Engineer can gain valuable experience if he or she pays attention, works hard, and asks good questions. This is necessary for any chance of advancement to a Recording Engineer.

Education and Training

Because of the nature of the job, a Assistant Engineer with little or no previous studio experience can obtain a job by watching the work that is being done and asking good questions. Some feel this type of training is comparable to if someone were to attend a technical music school to learn basic information.

You can also gain useful experience by working as recording studio apprentice, usually earning little to no money for your efforts. By working hard in this environment and asking good questions, one can really learn a lot about different engineering methods, and can eventually become a recording assistant at the least.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
It's common for many in the recording industry to obtain jobs as receptionists, secretaries, or gofers. But, if they work hard, and a position opens up, they might just find themselves in the right place at the right time. Others can also enter as Assistant Engineer.

To excel as an Assistant Engineer, one must know the basics or electronics and must feel comfortable with all types of musical equipment. Because their job entails them to be in the studio all day, a genuine interest in music is helpful. They must also have enough patience to work and get along with anyone who books studio time.

Unions and Associations
At this point in their career, the Assistant Engineers do not usually belong to any union.

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