Sound recording studios
- Employment change 2007-2016: -42.9%
- Employment total: 4,657
- Wage growth 2007-2016: 10.5%
- Avg. annual wage: $52,679
Musical production practices have evolved with technology technology since the invention of sound recording in the 19th century. In recent years, advances in sound mixing technology have democratized the production and distribution of music, reducing the need for professional recording studios for many artists.
Sound City Studios, a recording studio in Los Angeles notable for its history with major musical acts such as Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and Nirvana, closed its commercial operations in 2011. In total, the number of recording studios in the United States fell from 1,700 establishments in 2007 to 1,438 in 2016 — a 15.4% drop. Employment in the industry fell by 42.9% over the same period, one of the largest declines of any sector.