Finding a high paying job after graduating from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (CRAS) is top of mind for many prospective students. As a leading institute for audio engineering education, CRAS aims to set graduates up for success in the music recording and production industry. Which companies tend to hire CRAS graduates, and how much can they expect to earn?
What types of jobs do CRAS graduates get?
There are a wide variety of career paths for CRAS graduates. Some of the most common roles include:
- Recording engineer
- Studio manager
- Live sound engineer
- Audio equipment salesperson
- Acoustical consultant
- Music producer
- Mastering engineer
- Sound designer
- Audio editor
- Post production engineer
With the hands-on, practical training provided at CRAS, graduates gain real world skills to work in all kinds of professional audio environments. This includes recording studios, live sound companies, post production houses, broadcast media, and more.
Which companies tend to hire CRAS graduates?
Some of the top employers of CRAS graduates include:
Recording Studios
- Capitol Studios
- Ocean Way Studios
- EastWest Studios
- United Recording
- Henson Recording Studios
- NRG Recording Studios
- The Village Studios
- Conway Recording Studios
Major recording studios in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, and other music hubs frequently recruit CRAS graduates to join their technical teams. Graduates may start as interns or assistants, then advance to roles like studio engineer as they gain more experience.
Live Sound Companies
- Clair Global
- Rat Sound Systems
- Sound Image
- Eighth Day Sound Systems
- Soundworks Audio
- Delicate Productions
- Show Networks
Live concert tours and corporate events rely on experienced audio engineers to run the sound. Companies that provide live sound reinforcement systems like to hire CRAS graduates for front-of-house and monitor engineering positions.
Broadcast Networks
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- CNN
- Fox
- HBO
- Showtime
- ESPN
- Discovery
Major broadcast television and cable networks operate extensive audio departments to support their programming and productions. CRAS graduates are often recruited for studio engineering and audio technician roles.
Video Game Companies
- Activision Blizzard
- Electronic Arts
- Rockstar Games
- Ubisoft
- 2K
As audio plays a huge role in video game realism and immersion, gaming companies seek out qualified sound engineers and designers. CRAS graduates have the advanced audio production skills these companies need.
Additional Employers
Beyond the companies above, CRAS graduates also find jobs at recording schools, houses of worship, corporate AV companies, and more. Essentially any organization involved in professional-level audio recording, mixing, and reinforcement may recruit CRAS graduates because of their exceptional technical skills.
How much do CRAS graduates typically earn?
According to data from CRAS, the average annual salary for graduates is approximately $50,000. However, incomes can vary quite a bit based on factors like:
- Job location – Major cities like Los Angeles and New York tend to offer higher salaries
- Type of employer – Large studios and networks tend to pay more than smaller independent companies
- Years of experience – Salaries rise over time as graduates gain more expertise
- Role and responsibilities – More advanced engineering and production roles earn higher incomes
To provide more perspective, here are some typical earnings for common CRAS graduate roles:
| Job Title | Average Starting Salary | Average Salary with Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Assistant | $35,000 | $55,000 |
| Recording Engineer | $45,000 | $75,000 |
| Live Sound Engineer | $40,000 | $65,000 |
| Audio Technician | $38,000 | $60,000 |
| Sound Designer | $50,000 | $85,000 |
These averages can fluctuate based on geography, specific employer, demand for certain skills, and other factors. But in general, CRAS graduates tend to earn salaries on par with their peers in the professional audio engineering industry.
How can graduates maximize their earning potential?
Here are some tips for CRAS graduates to maximize their income opportunities:
Gain as much hands-on experience as possible
Earning potential directly correlates with technical skills and experience. Take advantage of all the real world training opportunities available at CRAS, including the on-site recording studio, live sound reinforcement events, and externships.
Be open to starting in entry-level roles
It’s very common for new graduates to start as interns, assistants, or junior-level technicians. Welcome these opportunities to learn the ropes and make connections.
Consider relocating to a major industry hub
The top salaries tend to be concentrated in large metro areas like Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Miami, and Atlanta where there is high demand for audio professionals.
Develop a wide breadth of knowledge
The most employable graduates have well-rounded skills in areas like recording, mixing, live sound, post production, acoustics, equipment maintenance and more.
Network constantly
Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and forging personal connections can help open doors to higher-paying jobs.
Consider specialized certifications
Optional certs like Avid Pro Tools Expert can boost credentials and technical expertise in certain disciplines.
Remain motivated to advance your skills
The best paying roles go to engineers who continue learning and improving their abilities throughout their careers.
Conclusion
In summary, CRAS graduates have an excellent chance of securing well-paying audio engineering jobs with major studios, networks, live sound providers, and other elite employers. Starting salaries generally fall in the $35,000 to $50,000 range, with top earners making over $75,000 per year. Maximizing income potential requires gaining ample real world experience, flexibility to start in junior roles, ongoing skill development, and strategic networking.