Acoustic consultant

Acoustic consultants, also known as acoustic engineers or 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.

As an acoustic consultant, your aim is to improve sound quality to make a positive difference to environments and wellbeing. This includes reducing sound pollution through structural design and addressing vibration problems that reduce sound quality.

Acoustic consultants work in a range of industries from architecture to aerospace and the field is competitive, with graduates competing for entry-level jobs. However, once qualified and experienced, employment options are strong.

Where do acousticians work?

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?

What does an acoustic consultant do?

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

• plan and undertake acoustic surveys
• use acoustic modelling to investigate how changes in design affect sound levels and quality
• use modelling software, such as ODEON, Ease, CadnaA, Treble, and 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
• appear in court as an expert witness and to provide specialist advice for legal cases
• 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:

• undertake noise and vibration impact assessments, for example in buildings to make sure they meet building regulations, for planning applications and for environmental statements
• carry out sound insulation detailing and testing
• modify noise from road vehicles, aircraft or heating ventilation and air conditioning equipment
• work in a recording studio with broadcast sound equipment
• design loudspeakers, speech reinforcement and public address systems
• design and research medical equipment, such as for ultrasound imaging or for high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy and surgery
• use existing, or develop new, equipment for non-destructive testing
• work with or develop SONAR for underwater ranging and detection.

Acoustic consultant salaries in the UK

• Suitably qualified graduate/junior acoustic consultants 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 £30,000 to £45,000.
• Senior acousticians can earn up to £55,000 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.

How many hours does an acoustic consultant work?

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, which might involve overnight stays either in the UK or abroad, depending on your role.

There may be options for flexible, hybrid and part-time work, and your time is often split between the office, on site and at client meetings. You may be able to find work as a freelancer if you are highly experienced in the field.

What qualifications does an acoustic consultant need?

The majority of new entrants will have a degree in maths, physics or acoustics, engineering or a specialist degree in acoustic and/or audio engineering. Entry may also be possible if you have a degree in a subject like 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. Courses delivered by the IOA usually require associate or full membership.

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).

Key skills for an acoustic consultant

You'll need to have:

• noise modelling skills, including familiarity with noise modelling software
• technical report writing skills, and the ability to explain technical information to non-experts
• technical drawing and design skills to understand architectural drawings
• data collection and analytical skills
• confidence to liaise with clients and local authorities
• excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Excel and Word as well as computer simulations
• 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.

Acoustic consultant work experience

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

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 useful for finding work experience, particularly for networking opportunities at their meetings and events.

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

Who do acoustic consultants work for?

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. However, you may also find work in large, multi-disciplinary engineering firms, and manufacturing companies.

Typical employers include:

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

Look for job vacancies at:

• Association of Noise Consultants (ANC)
• IOA - Jobs in Acoustics
• European Acoustics Association (EAA)
• Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA (INCE USA)

There are a small number of specialist recruitment agencies that advertise jobs at all levels, from graduate to senior positions, such as Penguin Recruitment. 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 and speculative applications.

Where can a career in acoustic consulting lead?

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. Training is often 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'll most commonly start your career by gaining associate membership of the IOA (AMIOA). In addition to a degree, 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 might 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 choose to specialise. You might study towards a Masters degree or a diploma in acoustics and noise control, or take an IOA continuing professional development (CPD) workshop on witness testimony for hearing loss claims. 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.

Senior acoustic consultants usually have a minimum of five years' experience and will lead on projects, provide technical support and interact directly with clients. At this level, you will 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. You may also consider setting up your own acoustic consultancy business.

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

Many acoustic consultancies are small to medium-sized companies (SMEs), and so you may need to move between companies to secure career progression. Although firms are distributed throughout the UK, the largest concentration of activity is in the North West, Scotland, London and the South East.

For more information on a career in acoustics, see the ANC resources at ExploreAcoustics.