Mastering Engineer salary in United States Of America

Average Yearly Salary of Mastering Engineer in United States Of America is approximately 79,219 USD (79,350 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Mastering Engineer do?

A mastering engineer is a professional in the music industry who specializes in the final stage of audio production. Their primary role is to make the recorded music sound polished and cohesive across all platforms and playback systems. They work on the stereo mix of a song or album, applying various techniques to enhance its overall sound quality, clarity, and balance. Mastering engineers use specialized equipment and software to adjust the dynamics, equalization, stereo imaging, and overall loudness of the music. They also ensure that the track transitions smoothly from one song to another and may provide additional services such as sequencing and creating metadata for digital distribution.

Skills: Mastering Engineer, Audio Production, Music Industry, Sound Quality, Audio Enhancement, Dynamic Processing
Job industry: Music

How much does Mastering Engineer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Mastering Engineer a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Mastering Engineer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Mastering Engineer?

High salary for Mastering Engineer would be somewhere between 87,141 USD and 114,868 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Mastering Engineer in United States Of America?

Living in United States Of America the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 79,219 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,602 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,523 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 38 USD per hour
By working as Mastering Engineer a person can save up to 4,333 USD per month or 51,990 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States Of America, see costs of living in United States Of America.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Mastering Engineer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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