Acoustics consultant

Acoustics consultants help manage and control noise and vibrations in homes, workplaces and other environments.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day to day tasks will depend on the type of acoustics you work in. For example you could:

  • carry out noise assessments on buildings to make sure they meet building regulations
  • check noise levels are within legal limits
  • test how changes to a building's design affects sound levels and quality
  • use computers to find ways of reducing machinery noise and vibration in the workplace
  • give specialist advice in legal cases
  • explore how sound vibrations affect machinery and structures
  • design and work with recording studio and broadcast sound equipment
  • design medical equipment, like ultrasound, to help doctors diagnose and treat patients
  • produce reports, share your findings and make recommendations for action

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

You could become a project leader, managing the design and development of new products. You might also specialise in a particular area, for example architectural, medical or underwater acoustics technology.

With experience, you could become a senior acoustics engineering consultant and register for chartered status through the Institute of Acoustics.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Most relevant

  • Physics - Acoustics consultants work directly with sound, vibration, and wave behaviour – all core topics in physics. They need to understand how sound travels through different materials, how it reflects and absorbs, and how vibrations affect structures and machinery.
  • Mathematics - Acoustics consultants use maths constantly to measure and calculate sound levels in decibels, analyse frequency data, and model how noise behaves in different environments. They also use mathematical modelling software to predict how design changes will affect sound quality.
  • Engineering - Acoustics consultants apply engineering principles when designing solutions to reduce noise and vibration in buildings, workplaces, and machinery. They work on projects ranging from soundproofing structures to developing medical equipment like ultrasound devices.
  • Design and Technology - Acoustics consultants assess how building designs and material choices affect sound levels, and recommend practical modifications. They need to understand construction methods and materials to advise on soundproofing, insulation, and structural changes.

Also relevant

  • Computer Science - Acoustics consultants use specialist software to model sound behaviour, simulate noise levels in proposed buildings, and analyse vibration data. Understanding how these computational tools work helps them build accurate models and interpret complex results.
  • Music - Acoustics consultants who work on recording studios, concert halls, or broadcast facilities need to understand how sound quality is perceived and what makes a space sound good. Knowledge of musical acoustics, tone, and resonance is valuable in this area of the work.
  • Environmental Science - Acoustics consultants carry out environmental noise assessments to check that noise levels from construction sites, roads, or industrial facilities stay within legal limits. Understanding how noise pollution affects communities and ecosystems is an important part of this work.
  • Biology - Acoustics consultants who work in medical acoustics need to understand how sound interacts with the human body – for example, in designing ultrasound equipment. They also need to understand how noise exposure affects hearing and overall health.
  • Law - Acoustics consultants give specialist advice in legal cases involving noise disputes and must ensure buildings meet noise-related regulations. Understanding how legal frameworks and building regulations work helps them produce reports that stand up to legal scrutiny.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

Most employers will expect you to have a degree in:

  • acoustics
  • maths
  • physics
  • engineering

You could also do a degree in music technology or environmental science then take further training, like the Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control, offered by the Institute of Acoustics.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics

More Information

You could start by doing an acoustics technician higher apprenticeship, then take further training to become an engineering consultant.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more A levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

You may be able to start work as an assistant or trainee technician and, with further training, qualify as an engineer or consultant.

You'll normally need at least 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including two science subjects. A levels or equivalent, like applied science, may be acceptable. Employers may also consider relevant work experience like non-destructive testing, if you do not have academic qualifications.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an acoustics consultant from the Institute of Acoustics.

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