What Mix Engineers Need to Make: A Reality Check on Income Requirements
As a business coach for mix engineers, one of the most common questions I hear is, "How much do I need to make to sustain a career?" The answer isn't simple – it depends on your location, setup, and career stage. Let's break down the real costs of being a professional mix engineer in 2024.
Understanding Your True Expenses
Before we talk about income targets, let's get real about expenses. Mix engineers often underestimate their actual costs because they forget to factor in everything. Here's what you need to consider:
Basic Studio Expenses
Whether you're working from home or a commercial space, these costs are unavoidable:
DAW Subscriptions: $30-100/month
Plugin Subscriptions: $50-200/month
Cloud Storage: $30-100/month
Equipment Insurance: $150-300/month
Maintenance/Upgrade Fund: $200-500/month minimum
Location Matters: Los Angeles as an Example
Let's use LA as a reference point (adjust accordingly for your market):
Home Studio Setup:
Apartment/House with Extra Room: $3,500-5,000/month
Utilities (with studio use): $500-900/month
Internet (professional grade): $100-150/month
Commercial Space:
Small Mix Room: $1,500-2,500/month
Commercial Insurance: $150-250/month
Utilities: $200-400/month
Parking: $100-200/month
Business Operations
Don't forget these essential business costs:
Business Insurance: $100-200/month
Professional Services (Accountant/Lawyer): $200-500/month
Marketing/Website: $100-300/month
Professional Development: $200-500/month
Personal Financial Security
This is where many engineers fall short in their planning:
Health Insurance: $400-800/month
Retirement Savings: 10-15% of income
Emergency Fund: 3-6 months of expenses
Tax Savings: 30-40% of income
Calculating Your Minimum Viable Income
Let's do the math for a mix engineer in Los Angeles with a home studio setup:
Monthly Fixed Costs:
Housing/Studio: $4,000
Utilities/Internet: $700
Software/Storage: $300
Insurance: $600
Business Operations: $500
Professional Development: $300
Health Insurance: $600
Equipment Fund: $300
Total Monthly Fixed Costs: $7,300
Additional Annual Considerations:
Taxes (35%): Set aside monthly
Retirement (10%): Set aside monthly
Emergency Fund: Build over time
Equipment Upgrades: Plan for major purchases
What This Means for Your Income Target
To cover these expenses and build a sustainable career, here's what you need to target:
Minimum Viable Annual Income: $150,000
This breaks down to:
Monthly Gross: $12,500
Weekly Gross: $2,885
Daily Rate (5-day week): $577
Comfortable Living Annual Income: $200,000
This provides more security and growth:
Monthly Gross: $16,667
Weekly Gross: $3,846
Daily Rate (5-day week): $769
Thriving Annual Income: $250,000+
This allows for significant savings and investment:
Monthly Gross: $20,833+
Weekly Gross: $4,808+
Daily Rate (5-day week): $962+
Setting Your Rates
Based on these numbers, here's what your hourly rates should look like:
5 days/week (8 hours/day): $75-120/hour
4 days/week (8 hours/day): $95-150/hour
3 days/week (8 hours/day): $125-200/hour
Remember: These are billable hours. You won't be mixing 8 hours every day – you need time for admin, marketing, and professional development.
Building Your Business to Meet These Targets
To reach these income levels, consider:
Diversifying income streams (mixing, production, teaching)
Building efficient workflows to maximize billable hours
Creating proper systems for client management and project flow
Developing a strong brand and marketing presence
Continuously upgrading skills and network
The Reality Check
These numbers might seem high, especially if you're just starting. Remember:
These are targets to work toward
They include everything you need for a sustainable career
They account for the realities of being a business owner
They vary significantly by location and business model
Your path might look different, but understanding these numbers helps you make informed decisions about:
Setting appropriate rates
Choosing your location
Planning your business growth
Investing in your future
Moving Forward
Use these numbers as a framework, not a rule. The key is understanding your specific situation and building a plan that works for you. Track your expenses, understand your market, and price your services accordingly.
Remember: A sustainable career isn't just about making enough to cover today's expenses – it's about building a foundation for long-term success in the music industry.
