Music technician

What does a Music Technician do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Music Technician is responsible for creating and optimizing sound environments at concerts, recordings, theater performances, and other events where music and sound engineering are in focus. Tasks include setting up and maintaining sound equipment, mixing and processing audio in real-time, and collaborating closely with artists, producers, and other technicians to ensure high-quality sound reproduction. The work environment varies from studios and stages to outdoor arenas, and working hours can be irregular, often in evenings and on weekends. Flexibility and the ability to handle stressful situations are central parts of the profession, especially during live performances where quick decisions may be required.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Music Technician has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,100 SEK per month, rising to 35 500 SEK in 2023. The most noticeable increase occurred in the past year, when the average salary reached 38 600 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 10% over three years, with the largest percentage change between 2023 and 2024. The positive salary trend can partly be attributed to increased demand for technical expertise in the music and event industries, where digitalization and more complex productions demand higher technical skills. At the same time, competition for qualified technicians has increased, pushing wages higher. Despite this, gender differences still exist, with women earning slightly less on average than their male colleagues.

Music Technician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female), 36,100 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 43,700 SEK/month (male), 40,300 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 232 SEK
• Gender difference: Women earn 96% of what men do (women: 37 300 SEK, men: 38 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary variations can occur depending on location and whether it is a city or rural area, but exact figures are not available.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Music Technician often involves post-secondary education in sound engineering, music production, or similar fields. Many combine formal education with practical experience, and the industry values both technical knowledge and creative problem-solving skills. Self-study and specialized online courses are also common, especially to keep up with rapid technological developments. Internships and trainee positions with established companies provide valuable industry experience and networks that can be crucial for future employment.

• Post-secondary education: Usually 1–3 years at vocational colleges or folk high schools
• Certifications/courses: Specific training in sound engineering, DAW software, and live production
• Internships: Often mandatory part of education
• Prerequisites: Basic technical interest and musical ear
• Self-study/online: Recommended to stay updated on technology and new tools

Common benefits and compensations

Music Technicians are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for working at inconvenient hours, opportunities for skills development and further training, as well as access to modern technical equipment. Many employers also provide wellness allowances and insurance, and for larger productions, additional compensation for travel and overtime may be available.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Music Technician is significant, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek to enter the industry. Technological innovations and digitalization increase demands for ongoing skills development, making the profession dynamic but also challenging for those who cannot or do not want to keep up with the developments. Irregular working hours and periods of high workload are common, as is the need to work efficiently under pressure. The industry is also sensitive to economic fluctuations, which can affect the number of available assignments, particularly in live production.

Tips for aspiring Music Technicians

To succeed as a Music Technician, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with musicality and a high level of teamwork skills. An analytical mindset helps to quickly solve technical problems under pressure, while flexibility and patience are crucial during long working days with a fast pace. Continuing education, such as learning new software or sound systems, is important to remain attractive on the job market. Building a network through internships and projects is also advantageous, as many jobs are filled through recommendations. Precision and attention to detail ensure high-quality sound, and a communicative and attentive personality facilitates collaboration with artists and colleagues. Lastly, curiosity and willingness to try new methods are valuable, as the industry is constantly evolving.

Key facts about Music Technicians

• Education level: Post-secondary education (1–3 years)
• Work environment: Varies – studio, stage, outdoors, touring
• Work form: Often project-based or freelance
• Demand: 620 job openings in related fields (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a Music Technician, career development can lead to more specialized roles such as sound designer, studio manager, or technical project leader in larger productions. Some choose to work in education or consultancy, while others start their own businesses or freelance both nationally and internationally. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is currently no detailed forecast for the profession's future, but within the group "lighting, sound, and stage technicians," 620 job openings are reported, indicating some demand for skills. However, the industry is affected by technological shifts and economic cycles, which can cause future prospects to vary over time.

Frequently asked questions about Music Technicians

• What is the average salary of a Music Technician?
  - The average salary is 38 600 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Music Technician?
  - The highest salary is 43,700 SEK (man), 40,300 SEK (woman); the lowest salary is 33,600 SEK (woman), 36,100 SEK (man).
• What are the gender differences within the profession?
  - Women earn on average 96% of what men do.
• How does one become a Music Technician?
  - Most commonly through post-secondary education in sound engineering, often combined with practical experience.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Technical interest, teamwork skills, problem-solving ability, and precision are key qualities.
• What is the job market like for Music Technicians?
  - There are 620 job openings in related fields, but the future outlook is uncertain.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salary variations can occur depending on location, but exact figures are not available.