Also called: Pro Tools Engineer (Live), Track Engineer
Runs the backing tracks, click tracks, and timecode that sync music with lights and video in modern shows.
A playback engineer sets up redundant computers running the show's tracks, makes sure the drummer's click is perfect, and is ready to switch instantly if a computer crashes.
Approximate. Touring crew are usually paid weekly or daily rates while on tour; big arena and stadium tours pay far more than club tours, and work has off-seasons.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Audio and computer skills.
Ways in: Self-taught, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Audio Engineering, Music Technology.
Growing faster than average. Live music touring has hit record revenues since 2022.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Software automates more of the timecode and backing tracks, but running and rescuing them live stays human.
Classes: Music, Computer science, Audio or music technology, Electronics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-4014.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.