Stagehand Salary: How Much Do Stagehands Really Earn?
If you’re considering a career as a stagehand, one of the first things you’re likely wondering is how much you can expect to earn. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are several factors that can impact how much you can make as a stagehand.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of stagehand salaries, including what you can expect to earn, what factors can impact your earning potential, and what steps you can take to increase your salary over time.
What is a Stagehand?
Before we dive into the details of stagehand salaries, let’s first define what a stagehand is. Stagehands are the behind-the-scenes workers who help bring live performances to life. They work in a variety of venues, including theaters, concert halls, and outdoor performance spaces, and are responsible for setting up and taking down equipment, helping performers with their gear, and making sure that everything runs smoothly during the show.
Stagehands are an essential part of the live performance industry, and without them, many shows simply wouldn’t be possible. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a stagehand, it’s important to understand what the job entails and what you can expect in terms of salary.
Factors That Impact Stagehand Salaries
There are several factors that can impact how much you can earn as a stagehand. Some of these factors include:
- Experience: As with many jobs, experience can play a big role in determining your earning potential as a stagehand. The more experience you have, the more you can expect to earn.
- Location: Where you work can also impact your salary. Stagehands who work in major metropolitan areas like New York City or Los Angeles may earn more than those who work in smaller cities or towns.
- Type of venue: The type of venue you work in can also impact your salary. Stagehands who work in large, prestigious venues like Broadway theaters or major concert halls may earn more than those who work in smaller, less well-known venues.
- Union affiliation: Many stagehands are members of labor unions like IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees). Union-affiliated stagehands may earn more than non-union workers.
How Much Do Stagehands Earn?
So, how much can you expect to earn as a stagehand? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for stagehands is $33,410. However, this number can vary widely depending on the factors we discussed above.
For example, stagehands who work in New York City may earn significantly more than those who work in smaller cities or towns. Similarly, stagehands who are members of labor unions may earn more than non-union workers.
It’s also worth noting that stagehand salaries can vary depending on the type of work you do. For example, stagehands who specialize in lighting or sound may earn more than those who focus on set construction or rigging.
How to Increase Your Stagehand Salary
If you’re interested in maximizing your earning potential as a stagehand, there are several steps you can take to increase your salary over time. Some strategies to consider include:
- Building your experience: As we mentioned earlier, experience can play a big role in determining your earning potential as a stagehand. The more experience you have, the more you may be able to earn.
- Pursuing specialized skills: Stagehands who have specialized skills like lighting design or sound engineering may be able to command higher salaries than those who focus on more general tasks.
- Joining a union: If you’re not already a member of a labor union like IATSE, joining one may help you earn more as a stagehand.
- Pursuing additional education: While not strictly necessary, pursuing additional education in fields like theater production or technical design may help you earn more as a stagehand.
Career and Education
Pursuing a career as a stagehand can be an exciting and rewarding path for those who are interested in working in the live performance industry. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to take your career to the next level, there are plenty of opportunities to earn a good living as a stagehand.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the live performance industry, it’s important to take the time to build your skills and experience, and to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the field. By doing so, you can position yourself for success and maximize your earning potential over time.
Key Takeaways
- Stagehand salaries can vary widely depending on factors like experience, location, type of venue, and union affiliation.
- The median annual wage for stagehands is $33,410, but this number can vary depending on the factors discussed above.
- To increase your earning potential as a stagehand, consider building your experience, pursuing specialized skills, joining a union, and pursuing additional education.
- If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the live performance industry, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this exciting field.
