Acoustic consultant job profile

If you're looking for a career that combines people, science and engineering, the world of acoustics offers a range of exciting and attractive opportunities

Acousticians focus on how sound is produced, controlled and transmitted, as well as on how it is received and the effects it has on people and their environment.

Your aim is to improve quality of life and to make a positive difference to people's wellbeing. For example, you could help mobile phone developers, get involved with the uses of ultrasound in medicine or in non-destructive testing of structures, or look into the effects of underwater sound on marine animals.

The two main areas of acoustics are consultancy and engineering.

As an acoustics consultant, you'll provide acoustics, noise and vibrations services, such as noise surveys, noise assessments and acoustic design advice for buildings and rooms.

As an acoustic engineer, you'll carry out a range of measurements, designs and calculations. For example, these could relate to loudspeakers, to sources of noise and vibration on vehicles or to devices used underwater.

Job titles vary and can include acoustician, acoustic consultant, acoustic engineer, noise consultant and environmental acoustician.

Work environment

Acoustic consultants/engineers have the option of working in a number of environments, including:

architectural acoustics
audio engineering
environmental noise
noise control
product sound quality
musical acoustics
speech and hearing
ultrasound in non-destructive testing
medical applications of acoustics
underwater acoustics.

For more information, see the Institute of Acoustics (IOA)'s guide on Where do acousticians work?.

Responsibilities

Tasks vary depending on the area of acoustics you work in, but you will typically need to:

plan and undertake acoustic surveys
use acoustic models to investigate how changes in design affect sound levels and quality
use modelling software, such as ODEON, CadnaA or CATT-Acoustic
undertake data analysis, acoustic calculations, prediction, assessment and reporting
prepare, produce and provide reports and recommendations
present acoustic advice to clients and colleagues
prepare tenders and accurate quotations for projects
liaise with clients and other stakeholders regarding their project requirements
ensure projects are completed on time and to budget, liaising with clients and colleagues throughout
undertake project administration and management, working on projects from the proposal right through to completion
at a senior level, appear in court as an expert witness
mentor junior colleagues (when in a senior position)
keep up to date with acoustic technology, regulations and standards
contribute to the growth and development of the business.

Examples of tasks specific to particular areas of work include:

undertaking noise and vibration impact assessments, for example in buildings to make sure they meet building regulations, for planning applications and for environmental statements
carrying out sound insulation detailing and testing
modifying noise from road vehicles, aircraft or heating ventilation and air conditioning equipment
working in a recording studio with broadcast sound equipment
designing loudspeakers, speech reinforcement and public address systems
designing and researching medical equipment, such as for ultrasound imaging or for high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy and surgery
using existing, or developing new, equipment for non-destructive testing
working with or developing SONAR for underwater ranging and detection.

Salary

Suitably qualified graduate/junior acousticians can expect a starting salary of between £23,000 and £30,000, depending on their experience.
With experience you could earn in the region of between £28,000 to £35,000.
Senior acousticians can earn up to around £50,000 per year. Principal acousticians with a significant amount of experience can earn in excess of this.

Salaries vary depending on your qualifications, experience and skills as well as the size of the company you work for and your location.

Additional benefits may include a pension, private health insurance, a bonus scheme and access to a company car, as well as opportunities for training and professional development.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

You'll usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may need to work outside normal office hours on occasion to undertake survey work, for example.

There may be options for flexible, hybrid and part-time work.

What to expect

Surveys are a common part of a noise or acoustic consultant's role. These may be weather dependent so you could be asked to carry one out at quite short notice. You may need to wear protective clothing in some instances.
Your time is often split between the office, on site and at client meetings.
Although firms are distributed throughout the UK, the largest concentration of activity is in the North West, Scotland, London and the South East.
Many elements of the work of a consultant are driven by government legislation and new developments, for example new legislation regarding sound insulation in buildings.
Travel to sites to undertake acoustic surveys is common and may include occasional overnight stays away from home either in the UK or abroad.

Qualifications

The majority of new entrants will have a degree in maths, physics or engineering or a specialist degree in acoustical and/or audio engineering.

Entry may also be possible after having studied subjects such as music, music technology or environmental science, but you'll usually have to take further study at postgraduate level, for example the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control or an MSc in Acoustics.

Search for postgraduate courses in acoustics.

Many employers ask for a degree in acoustics or a related subject, or a relevant postgraduate qualification such as the Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control. They also usually require associate or full membership of the IOA (depending on the level of the role).

For more information on a career in acoustics, see the Association of Noise Consultants' (ANC) ExploreAcoustics and IOA Careers.

Skills

You'll need to have:

an aptitude for maths and science
noise modelling skills, including familiarity with noise modelling software
a creative approach to problem solving
written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing skills, and the ability to explain technical information to non-experts
data collection and analytical skills
the ability to operate independently as well as under guidance
the confidence to liaise with clients and local authorities
excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Excel and Word as well as computer simulations
project, resource and time management skills
commercial awareness
strong interpersonal skills
budgeting and negotiating skills
a logical, methodical and proactive approach to work
self-motivation
attention to detail
knowledge of relevant codes of practice, policy and legislation.

You'll usually need a full clean UK driving licence to visit sites to undertake surveys.

Knowledge of foreign languages can be useful for overseas work.

Work experience

Work experience is highly valued by graduate employers and you'll usually need some relevant work experience to get a job as a junior/graduate acoustician.

Music festivals can be a good source of work experience. Acoustic consultancies may employ students to undertake sound measurements for the duration of festivals on a shift work basis. You may also be able to get a year-out placement or internship with a large consultancy.

Some of the larger technology, engineering and aerospace firms may also offer summer placements or internships to undergraduates.

Local councils may also provide work experience, often for night surveys. There may also be opportunities to get work experience with an environmental consultancy.

Student membership of the IOA is also useful, particularly for networking opportunities at their meetings and events.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Although there are some large acoustics businesses, the UK acoustics industry is dominated by small and medium-sized companies. Many of these are micro companies, employing no more than ten people.

Typical employers include:

acoustic and engineering consultancies
architects
broadcasting companies
education providers
local authorities
technology and engineering firms
environmental organisations
renewable energy companies
vehicle manufacturers
aerospace industry
Ministry of Defence
research departments at universities.

Look for job vacancies at:

There are a small number of specialist recruitment agencies that advertise jobs at all levels, from graduate to senior positions. These include:

Specialist publications such as Environmental Health News may also list vacancies.

Employers may also contact university departments or academic staff directly as a source of new talent - especially for students seeking work experience opportunities.

The ANC has a database of member acoustic consultancies, which is searchable by region or service provided. This can be a good source of contacts for your job search.

Professional development

Training is often carried out on the job with the support of a mentor (a more senior colleague). Employers may provide training and development opportunities, and may also support you to achieve chartered status with a relevant body.

You will usually start your career by gaining associate membership of the IOA (AMIOA). You'll need suitable educational qualifications in acoustics (for example, the IOA Diploma) or an appropriate period of experience. Once you have a minimum of three years' relevant work experience you can apply to become a full member (MIOA).

With further experience and training, you could apply for registration as a chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council, allowing you to progress onto senior roles.

To progress within your career, you could study towards a Masters degree or a diploma in acoustics and noise control, if you don't already have one. Some employers may take on graduates and sponsor them to undertake these qualifications. It's also possible to undertake a research degree programme if you want to move into a career in acoustics research. The IOA has a research member category for those who are taking an MRes, MPhil or PhD.

More senior acousticians could be expected to spend time in court as expert witnesses, relating to issues as diverse as hearing loss claims through to criminal forensics. The IOA runs continuing professional development (CPD) workshops on this and other relevant topics for its members.

Career prospects

Although acoustics is a relatively small profession, career prospects are generally good for those with the right combination of education, skills and experience.

You will usually start in a graduate/junior role and can progress into an acoustic consultant role after two years' experience. With experience, you'll be expected to manage small to medium-scale projects and may assist on larger-scale projects with support from colleagues.

Many acoustic consultancies are small to medium-sized companies (SMEs), and so you may need to move between companies to secure career progression.

Senior acousticians usually have a minimum of five years' experience and will lead on projects, provide technical support and interact directly with clients. You will usually mentor junior staff and assist with business development, and will need a combination of technical and commercial expertise. There are further opportunities to move into management roles at principal and director level with responsibility for staff, strategy and budgets.

The ultimate goal of many of the acousticians who enter consultancy is to set up their own acoustic consultancy business.

Acoustic consultant