Sound Engineering Technician salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Sound Engineering Technicians in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn a median of $76,050 a year ($36.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $119,580 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $73,130. There are 0.08 sound engineering technicians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $88,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for sound engineering technicians in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,530 | $20.45 |
| 25th percentile | $56,060 | $26.95 |
| Median | $76,050 | $36.56 |
| 75th percentile | $119,580 | $57.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $119,580 | $57.49 |
| Average (mean) | $88,000 | $42.31 |
Half of sound engineering technicians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,337.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,168.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,925 |
| Weekly | $1,462.50 |
| Hourly | $36.56 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $76,050 salary, see how much house you can afford in Oregon at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for sound engineering technicians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $115,190 |
| District of Columbia | $106,630 |
| New York | $87,510 |
| Nevada | $84,570 |
| Maryland | $79,990 |
| California | $78,150 |
| Georgia | $77,010 |
| Kentucky | $74,100 |
| Illinois | $73,130 |
| Indiana | $73,130 |
Related jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $56,870 | $27.34 |
| Photographer | $59,220 | $28.47 |
| Film and Video Editors | $71,990 | $34.61 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $67,830 | $32.61 |
| Lighting Technician | $58,280 | $28.02 |
| Broadcast Technician | $53,650 | $25.79 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,970 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $75,650 | $36.37 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $78,380 | $37.68 |
| Producers and Directors | $88,450 | $42.52 |
| Art Director | $145,410 | $69.91 |
| Interior Designer | $73,700 | $35.44 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,040 | $22.61 |
| Editor | $75,430 | $36.26 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-4014. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a sound engineering technician make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median salary for sound engineering technicians in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area is $76,050 a year, or $36.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $119,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid sound engineering technicians make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The top 10% of sound engineering technicians in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn at least $119,580 a year. The top 25% earn $119,580 or more.
What is the starting pay for sound engineering technicians in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,530 a year, and a quarter of sound engineering technicians earn $56,060 or less.
How many sound engineering technicians work in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
About 100 sound engineering technicians are employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.