Best institutions to study Recording Arts Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the production of sound recordings as finished products or as components of film/video, broadcast, live, or mixed media productions.
173 U.S. institutions graduated 3,670 Recording Arts Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 10.0203, a specialization of Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (CIP 10.02), and leads most directly to the Audio and Video Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 27-4011).
About Recording Arts Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the production of sound recordings as finished products or as components of film/video, broadcast, live, or mixed media productions. Includes instruction in sound equipment operation and maintenance; music, dialogue, and sound effects recording; soundtrack editing; dubbing and mixing; sound engineering; tape, disk, and CD production; digital recording and transmission; amplification and modulation; and working with producers, editors, directors, artists, and production managers.
See also: 50.0913 - Music Technology., 50.0917 - Sound Arts.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Recording Arts Technology/Technician program prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills in the production of sound recordings for various media, including film, broadcast, and live events. This program is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career in audiovisual communications and working with sound in diverse environments.
Students will gain expertise in sound equipment operation, music and dialogue recording, soundtrack editing, and sound engineering. Coursework also covers digital recording, amplification, and collaboration with production teams, equipping graduates with essential skills for the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Recording Arts Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1,324 graduates / yr · 46 institutions36%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year1,036 graduates / yr · 86 institutions28%
- Associate's degree893 graduates / yr · 78 institutions24%
- Bachelor's degree369 graduates / yr · 27 institutions10%
- Master's degree38 graduates / yr · 5 institutions1.0%
- Award of less than 12 weeks9 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.2%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Recording Arts Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 5,706 |
| 2013 | 5,717 |
| 2014 | 5,310 |
| 2015 | 5,351 |
| 2016 | 5,293 |
| 2017 | 4,553 |
| 2018 | 3,930 |
| 2019 | 3,649 |
| 2020 | 3,184 |
| 2021 | 3,120 |
| 2022 | 3,349 |
| 2023 | 3,393 |
| 2024 | 3,649 |
| 2025 | 3,670 |
Top 50 institutions for Recording Arts Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAE Institute of Technology - Nashville Nashville, TNPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sBachelor's | 611 | 42% | $21,395 | $20,964 |
| 2 | Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences Tempe, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 427 | 39% | $22,590 | $21,814 |
| 3 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 189 | 48% | — | — |
| 4 | Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology Orlando, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 147 | — | — | $17,311 |
| 5 | Belmont University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 110 | 71% | $29,246 | $22,664 |
| 6 | MediaTech Institute - Dallas Dallas, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 97 | 70% | $19,634 | $21,151 |
| 7 | Colegio de Cinematografía Artes y Television Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 67 | 47% | $4,177 | $5,660 |
| 8 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 58 | 81% | — | — |
| 9 | California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CAPublicBachelor's | 53 | 43% | — | — |
| 10 | Saddleback College Mission Viejo, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 50 | 48% | — | — |
| 11 | Remington College - Dallas Campus Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 48 | — | $29,146 | — |
| 12 | Citrus College Glendora, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 41 | 41% | — | — |
| 13 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 40 | 35% | — | — |
| 14 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 39 | 17% | — | — |
| 15 | The Omega Studios' School of Applied Arts & Sciences Rockville, MDPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks | 39 | — | — | $14,502 |
| 16 | Wayne Community College Goldsboro, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 38 | 49% | — | — |
| 17 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 37% | — | — |
| 18 | Musicians Institute Hollywood, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 35 | 53% | $37,963 | — |
| 19 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 35 | 38% | — | — |
| 20 | Northeast State Community College Blountville, TNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 34 | 33% | — | — |
| 21 | Atlanta Institute of Music and Media Duluth, GAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 33 | 33% | $33,678 | $17,967 |
| 22 | South Plains College Levelland, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 32 | 29% | — | — |
| 23 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 30 | 16% | — | — |
| 24 | Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 30 | 39% | — | — |
| 25 | The Recording Conservatory of Austin Austin, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 30 | 72% | $29,093 | — |
| 26 | Ohio Media School - Valley View Valley View, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 29 | 66% | $26,225 | — |
| 27 | Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville, TNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 28 | 31% | — | — |
| 28 | Spokane Falls Community College Spokane, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 27 | 32% | — | — |
| 29 | Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 43% | — | — |
| 30 | Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, INPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 80% | — | — |
| 31 | Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell, PAPublicAssociate's | 25 | 28% | — | — |
| 32 | Husson University Bangor, MEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 59% | $18,839 | $29,736 |
| 33 | The Evergreen State College Olympia, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks | 24 | 41% | — | — |
| 34 | Fresno City College Fresno, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 23 | 24% | — | — |
| 35 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 23 | 54% | $9,377 | — |
| 36 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 21 | 16% | — | — |
| 37 | Arapahoe Community College Littleton, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 21 | 29% | — | — |
| 38 | American University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 21 | 75% | $30,225 | $19,337 |
| 39 | Nassau Community College Garden City, NYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 21 | 23% | — | — |
| 40 | Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 56% | — | — |
| 41 | Miami Dade College Miami, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 19 | 46% | — | — |
| 42 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicBachelor's | 18 | 62% | — | — |
| 43 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 18 | 29% | — | $31,172 |
| 44 | Bakersfield College Bakersfield, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 21% | — | — |
| 45 | Cabrillo College Aptos, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 17 | 38% | — | — |
| 46 | Los Angeles Valley College Valley Glen, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 17 | 32% | — | — |
| 47 | Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 79% | $36,488 | — |
| 48 | Sacramento City College Sacramento, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 33% | — | — |
| 49 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NYPublicAssociate's | 17 | 24% | — | $29,299 |
| 50 | Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 16 | 49% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 10.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 31 states & territories
Where Recording Arts Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-4011, Audio and Video Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Audio and Video Technicians, with an annual median wage of $54,830. The job outlook is positive, with an expected growth rate of 3.3% and approximately 7,300 annual openings in the field, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 10.0203
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio and Video Techniciansprimary SOC 27-4011 | $58,100 | +3.3% About as fast as average | ~7,300 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio SOC 27-2091 | — | +3.8% About as fast as average | ~1,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Sound Engineering Technicians SOC 27-4014 | $73,130 | -1.7% Decline | ~1,200 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Recording Arts Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
- Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
- Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
- Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
- Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
- Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
Tools and technology used
Other Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (CIP 10.02).
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/CIP 10.0202
Technician 1,488 graduates / yr84 institutions - Photographic and Film/CIP 10.0201
Video Technology/ Technician 1,328 graduates / yr103 institutions - Audiovisual Communications Technologies/CIP 10.0299
Technicians 841 graduates / yr17 institutions - Voice Writing Technology/CIP 10.0204
Technician limited data15 graduates / yr2 institutions
See all Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of careers can I pursue with this program?+
You can work as an Audio and Video Technician, Sound Engineering Technician, or Disc Jockey.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will learn monitoring, critical thinking, active listening, and technical skills related to sound production.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.3% and 7,300 annual openings.
What credentials can I earn?+
You can earn various awards, including an Associate's degree or a postsecondary nondegree award.
What is the CIP code for Recording Arts Technology/Technician?+
Recording Arts Technology/Technician is CIP 10.0203 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (CIP 10.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the production of sound recordings as finished products or as components of film/video, broadcast, live, or mixed media productions. Includes instruction in sound equipment operation and maintenance; music, dialogue, and sound effects recording; soundtrack editing; dubbing and mixing; sound engineering; tape, disk, and CD production; digital recording and transmission; amplification and modulation; and working with producers, editors, directors, artists, and production managers.
How many institutions offer Recording Arts Technology/Technician programs?+
173 U.S. institutions reported Recording Arts Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 31 states & territories, awarding 3,670 credentials in the year. That is 50.0% of all Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Recording Arts Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Audio and Video Technicians occupation, which Recording Arts Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $58,100 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $21,151 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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