Acoustic Consultant Job Description Sample

Acoustics consultants are experts who specialize in solving problems related to noise and vibrations across a variety of environments. They apply basic scientific principles for evaluating and controlling sound levels so as to improve acoustic quality. Acoustics Consultants are often employed by architects to ensure optimum sound quality inside existing and upcoming buildings. These professionals also work in industrial environments to control noise and vibrations.

What are the educational and entry requirements for acoustics consultants?

Employers usually expect Acoustics Consultants to hold a degree in a relevant subject like acoustics, physics, engineering, architecture etc. One can gain entry into this position after starting off as an assistant technician and gaining adequate experience and training in the field. There are a few colleges that offer specialized certification courses, bachelors and master’s degrees connected to acoustics. These courses give you in-depth knowledge on the principles of sound and vibration and also impart the practical skills required to evaluate and control noise levels.

What are the skills required to become an acoustics consultant?

• Aptitude for practical problem solving
• A creative and innovative approach (to solve noise related issues and improve sound quality)
• Excellent presentation skills (to describe designs and solutions)
• Computer savvy (to be able to quickly pick up the software and tools)
• Excellent budgeting skills (to recommend cost effective solutions)
• Strong negotiation skills
• Good report writing skills
• Time management

What are the primary responsibilities of an acoustics consultant?

• To reduce undesirable sounds in residential and industrial settings
• Find ways of dampening noise
• Use special tools to solve industrial noise and vibration issues
• Offering advice to deal with legal cases related to noise nuisance
• Studying noise levels and checking whether they meet regulations
• Suggesting changes to the building’s design to achieve optimum sound quality
• Participate in the design and evaluation of recording studios
• Preparing acoustics reports and noise assessments
• Study the effect of sound vibrations on critical equipment

What salary can one expect to make as an acoustics consultant?

According to PayScale.com, the median annual salary of Acoustic Consultant is $67,303 per year and lies in the range of $40,539 to $118,621.

What are the pros and cons of working as an acoustics consultant?

Pros:

• You can expect attractive salary and perks
• You have the option of working in diverse work environments (Examples: sound studios, medical equipment design, industrial machinery etc.)
• Great career for those who have a passion for sound
• You derive satisfaction from improving sound quality and keeping sounds within safe levels
• You get to research, analyze and solve problems on a daily basis

Cons:

• You are expected to put in odd hours at times
• It is not easy to establish yourself as an Acoustics consultant (a lot of marketing and self-promotion is required)
• Job related stress (troubleshooting noise and vibration issues is not an easy task)
• Acoustics consulting often involves travelling to client locations

What are the working hours and career path like?

Depending on the employer, you may be expected to work on weekdays in regular 9 to 5 jobs or on flexible shifts. It is not uncommon to see acoustics consultants working night shifts or odd hours to meet looming deadlines. You may have to constantly travel to and fro between your client’s location and office. Acoustic consultants can work in a specific field or offer their services across a variety of industries. For example, some Acoustic consultants work only on acoustics of residential and office spaces, while others work for studios, movie theaters, stadiums and even industrial settings. The field offers plenty of career growth options. Once you have sufficient experience under your belt, you can look forward to taking up senior acoustics consultant roles. If you have an entrepreneurial bent of mind, you can even consider starting your own acoustics consulting firm.