This is a difficult question to answer and really depends where you’re working. You need to make a choice whether you will be self-employed and work freelance, or whether you become an employee in a larger industry. If you choose the former, you will need to be motivated and be able to network, establish contact and grow your client base. The amount you can charge will depend on the service you provide and who your clients are. For example, some engineers will charge different rates for signed artists, in the labels and major labels. Career mix engineers who consistently produce high-quality work that is well regarded and released by indie labels may charge between £300 and £500 per mix. Top-tier mixers likely charge between £2k and £5k per mix. It’s difficult to get information on this as the majority of people are self-employed and rates are often on available to the public, being disclosed on a case-by-case basis. Some research on expected salaries in USA for sound engineers came back with the following:
Entry-Level and Assistants: Those just starting out or working as assistants in the field of sound engineering might earn an annual salary ranging from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on location and industry.
Mid-Level Sound Engineers: With a few years of experience and increased responsibilities, mid-level sound engineers can earn an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000.
Experienced and Specialised Engineers: Sound engineers with a significant amount of experience and expertise in specialised areas (e.g., music production, post-production, live sound, gaming, virtual reality) can earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 or more.
Top-tier Professionals: Highly experienced and well-established sound engineers, especially those working on high-profile projects or with celebrity clients, can potentially earn well over $100,000 annually.
You should really only pursue this career if you are passionate about working with audio or within the industry is mentioned above. It’s possible to earn good money. You will need to be able to deliver high-quality material with meticulous attention to detail, often to take deadlines and under some pressure. However, there are rewards beyond the purely financial. Your working day will likely be varied and interesting, as well the people you meet in the course of your career. There will always be new and interesting things to learn and your role will continually evolve.