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CIP 10.0203 Communications Technologies

Recording Arts Technology/Technician

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

1,309

2025 · 106 schools

International share

2.2%

29 international students

Bachelor's degrees

377

1.9% international

Master's degrees

38

13.2% international

Overview

Recording Arts Technology, often referred to as Recording Arts Technician, is a specialized field focused on the techniques and technologies involved in sound recording and production. This program typically encompasses various aspects of audio engineering, music production, and sound design, preparing students for careers in recording studios, live sound environments, and post-production facilities.

Students in this field gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software, learning skills such as microphone placement, mixing, mastering, and editing audio. The curriculum often includes courses on acoustics, signal processing, and digital audio workstations (DAWs), enabling students to understand both the theoretical and practical elements of sound.

In addition to technical skills, the program also emphasizes the importance of creativity and artistic expression in audio production. Courses may cover topics such as music theory, composition, and the role of sound in multimedia projects, allowing students to develop their unique artistic voice.

Graduates of Recording Arts Technology programs can pursue various career paths, including sound engineers, music producers, and audio technicians. They may work in diverse settings such as recording studios, radio stations, film and television production, and live event venues. The demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing importance of high-quality audio in media and entertainment. Overall, this program equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 1,323% and the international share went from 1.1% to 2.2%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
42.5%
Asian
2.7%
Hispanic
25.1%
Black
20.1%
Other
7.4%
Intl.
2.2%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 106 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#9 Johns Hopkins University Maryland 13 4
#49 University of Rochester New York 1 0
#73 Indiana University-Bloomington Indiana 13 0
#95 American University D.C. 20 0
#100 Elon University North Carolina 16 0
#109 Loyola Marymount University California 17 2
#156 Montclair State University New Jersey 10 0
#169 Michigan Technological University Michigan 7 0
#208 Belmont University Tennessee 110 0
#227 Ball State University Indiana 18 0
#288 Texas State University Texas 13 0
LAC #74 Principia College Illinois 1 1
— SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville Tennessee 172 1
— MediaTech Institute-Dallas Texas 92 0
— California State University-Dominguez Hills California 53 0
— Colegio de Cinematografía Artes y Television Puerto Rico 44 0
— Atlanta Institute of Music and Media Georgia 33 0
— Montgomery County Community College Pennsylvania 25 1
— Houston City College Texas 24 4
— NUC University Puerto Rico 23 0
— Citrus College California 20 0
— Husson University Maine 19 1
— American River College California 18 0
— Musicians Institute California 18 6
— Mesa Community College Arizona 17 0
— CUNY LaGuardia Community College New York 17 3
— Cuyahoga Community College District Ohio 16 0
— Finger Lakes Community College New York 15 0
— Guilford Technical Community College North Carolina 15 0
— Foothill College California 14 2
— Kansas City Kansas Community College Kansas 14 1
— CUNY Queensborough Community College New York 14 0
— Northeast State Community College Tennessee 14 0
— Webster University Missouri 12 0
— Spokane Falls Community College Washington 12 0
— San Diego Miramar College California 11 0
— York College of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 11 0
— Glendale Community College Arizona 10 0
— Diablo Valley College California 10 0
— Sacramento City College California 10 0
— Minnesota State University Moorhead Minnesota 10 0
— Paradise Valley Community College Arizona 10 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Audio and Video Technicians 70,230 $31.07 $64,630
Sound Engineering Technicians 13,080 $39.13 $81,390
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio 7,920 $32.57 —

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.