2024 AIR Audio Community Survey

Every year, AIR surveys the audio community at large to gather information about your path into audio, the struggles you're facing, the resources you need and how AIR can best support you through the programs and tools we offer. 

In 2024, 373 people completed AIR’s Annual Audio Community Survey. Out of that number, a little over 57% were active AIR members. Based on that pool, we captured a general profile of an AIR member: 

  • Average age: 25-44 years old
  • Mostly self-taught audio creative with 6-11+ years of experience in the industry
  • Produces and edits podcasts and long-form narratives, mostly
  • Mainly freelances in audio as a primary income, is actively looking for work, or works on an audio passion project (unpaid)
  • Joined AIR in the past five years to network with other audio makers, find work, and be part of a professional organization
  • AIR resources most utilized: Rate Guides, Rate Calculator, SoundPath classes

Alarmingly, 36% of respondents are actively looking for work in the audio sector, while 33% are currently working on unpaid passion projects. 35% freelance in audio as their primary income, 24% freelance on the side and 22% have a salaried job in the audio sector. Only 3.5% indicated their podcast as their primary source of income.

The top three types of professional development respondents are most interested are:

  1. Networking (77%)
  2. Classes (52%)
  3. Mentorships (46%)

When asked what respondents think AIR's top three priorities should be, they indicated the following: 

  1. Networking opportunities and community events (40%)
  2. Online training offerings (38%)
  3. Expanding the field through opportunities for diverse voices (35%)

In terms of the biggest challenges facing the audio industry at the moment, respondents mentioned uncertainties around sustainability and growth, highlighting:

  1. Difficulty securing work
  2. Layoffs
  3. Pay equity and fair compensation
  4. Funding limitations
  5. Lack of content discoverability

Respondents also mentioned wanting assistance with the practical side of things, including:

  • Taxes
  • Insurance (health, liability, etc.)
  • Legal assistance
  • Navigating workplace conflict
  • More funding opportunities 

Donations to AIR strengthen our ability to advocate for fair compensation, grow opportunities, establish new partnerships, and invest in the remarkable community that is AIR’s member network. Our ability to learn from, respond to and work on behalf of our members is everything. Our programs actively expand the field by training a new and diverse generation of editors and leaders and building a network of skilled producers, engineers, sound designers and editors. Your donation makes our work possible. Donate today or become a member. 

Thank you to everyone who shared or completed the survey! Your support means so much to us.