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Acoustics Engineering is a specific type of Engineering having to do with acoustics, sounds and vibrations.
These professionals are specialized in controlling and manipulating noise in order to create superior sounds in places such as auditoriums or concert venues.
When people talk about having gone to a concert and discuss whether the acoustics were on target or phenomenal, an Acoustics Engineer was probably involved in creating that desired result.
Acoustics Engineers are also mainly interested in eliminating any unnecessary noise which is referred to as noise control.
They follow noise ordinances in order to control the sound emanating from a rowdy concert in order for it to not become a public concern for neighbors in surrounding areas.
They also work with building codes using the structures unique design in order to implement sound control.
People who are interested and planning to become an Acoustics Engineer will need to have an interest in manipulating sound as well as have a strong background in Mathematics and Science.
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Education Requirements to Become an Acoustics Engineer
In order to become an Acoustics Engineer, a person has to attend a four year institution and acquire a Bachelor’s Degree.
There isn’t a specific Engineering degree a candidate has to follow, however, following an Architecture or Architectural Engineering path will help strengthen a candidate’s background and specialize their skills in working with the layout of a building.
The following are other degrees people can focus on in order to become an Acoustics Engineer.
- Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics
- Architecture
- Music
- Math
In addition, some universities and colleges offer a Master’s Degree in Acoustical Engineering or Electro-Acoustic Engineering.
These programs use a handful of disciplines such as mathematics and science in order to teach students how to eliminate unwanted noises and control superior sounds.
Depending on the program they join, students will learn about sound and vibrations by taking courses such as:
- Ultrasonic Noise reduction
- Theories on Acoustics
- Nonlinear Acoustics
Acoustics Engineer Job Description
Acoustics Engineers have a few goals in mind when they are performing their duties.
They are responsible for not only creating a venue which will produce superior sound for the desired acoustics; they also have a goal to keep the unwanted noises to a minimum in order to protect an audience’s health and the noise level within the facility.
Acoustics Engineers work in conjunction with other professionals such as Architects, Audio-Visual Engineers, Noise Isolation Engineers and Environmental Noise Engineers in order to create the perfect surrounding for optimum sounds and noise control.
Acoustics Engineers will take the information regarding a building and its structure in order to determine the effects the environment outside the building has inside the venue.
In addition, they take the information regarding the venue in order to control noise that can be emitted outside in order to satisfy noise ordinances.
Some typical job duties for Acoustics Engineers include:
- Review building Architectural plans and layout
- Review Engineering plans
- Discuss space design, material selection and mechanical systems with team
- Measure and analyze noise and vibrations made from outside the building and their impact on the inside of the building
- Measure and analyze noise and vibrations from within facility and observe their impact on the outside
Acoustics Engineers must work as a team with other professionals in order to help produce the best acoustic environment for a venue.
Acoustics Engineer Salary and Career Path
According to BLS.gov, the average salary for an Acoustics/Sound Engineer is approximately $48,000 per year.
The salary range for these professionals is approximately: $35,000 to $100,000 per year.
Salary does depend on experience with someone with at least five years of experience in the field making about $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
Job openings for this industry are expected to grow steadily throughout the decade.
Candidates just getting started in the field should expect more competition from other qualified candidates.
However, the demand for such positions is expected to be higher in smaller cities.
