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Salary

How much does a Stagehand make?

The average salary for a Stagehand is $40,887 per year in the US.

A Stagehand plays a key role in productions, whether on a film set or a theater stage. The average yearly salary for a Stagehand is $40,887. This means they earn just under $20 an hour on average. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the type of production.

Here are the typical salary ranges for Stagehands:

  • The lowest-paid Stagehands earn about $24,000 a year.
  • About 10% of Stagehands earn less than $31,455 yearly.
  • The highest-paid Stagehands make over $65,000 a year.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Stagehand?

Stagehands can find some of the best-paying jobs in large cities like San Francisco and Seattle. San Francisco offers the highest average salary at $55,250. Portland and San Jose follow closely behind, offering competitive pay as well. Other notable cities include Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver, where stagehands can expect solid salaries. These cities provide ample opportunities for those in the industry, thanks to a vibrant entertainment scene.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Stagehand jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $55,250 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $45,672.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $55,250
    San Francisco offers dynamic theater scenes, with stagehands playing crucial roles in productions by major companies like Theatre Works and the American Conservatory Theater. The diverse cultural events provide a range of experiences, from drama to comedy.
    Find Stagehand jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $54,880
    Portland's thriving arts scene makes it an excellent place for stagehands. Companies such as The Armory and New Theater provide excellent opportunities. The city's vibrant community and unique venues enhance the experience.
    Find Stagehand jobs in Portland, OR


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $54,577
    Seattle's stagehands enjoy working with renowned companies like ACT and Seattle Repertory Theatre. The city’s innovative spirit and diverse events offer a variety of exciting projects. The scenic beauty of the area also adds to the appeal.
    Find Stagehand jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $53,370
    San Jose is home to several significant theaters, including San Jose Repertory Theatre. Stagehands in this city find a mix of classical and contemporary productions. The tech-savvy environment adds a modern twist to their work.
    Find Stagehand jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $50,750
    Los Angeles provides a bustling environment for stagehands. Major companies like the Hollywood Bowl and Ahmanson Theatre offer diverse opportunities. The city’s entertainment industry means there's always something new and exciting happening.
    Find Stagehand jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $50,461
    Chicago offers a vibrant theater scene, with stagehands working for prominent companies like the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The city's rich history in theater provides numerous opportunities to learn and grow in the industry.
    Find Stagehand jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $48,677
    Stagehands in Colorado Springs benefit from working with companies such as the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. The scenic beauty and active arts community create a rewarding environment for those passionate about theater.
    Find Stagehand jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  8. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $48,016
    Denver offers a lively arts scene with stagehands working for companies like the Denver Center Theatre Company. The city’s cultural events and beautiful venues make for an enriching experience.
    Find Stagehand jobs in Denver, CO


  9. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $46,915
    Las Vegas provides exciting opportunities for stagehands, with major productions and shows at companies like The Venetian Theatre. The city's constant buzz and large events offer a dynamic work environment.
    Find Stagehand jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $45,672
    San Diego's stagehands work with companies such as Old Globe Theatre. The city’s diverse offerings and beautiful settings create a unique and enjoyable work experience.
    Find Stagehand jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Stagehand can work for?

Oak View Group and Rhino Staging offer some of the best salaries for stagehands. With an average salary of around $43,000, they lead the pack in fair compensation. MDM Entertainment and Live Nation also provide competitive pay, ensuring job seekers find both value and opportunity in these companies.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Stagehand jobs, highlighting Oak View Group with the highest at $43,215 and Live Nation with the lowest at $40,170.
  1. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $43,215
    Oak View Group offers Stagehand jobs with opportunities across major venues in cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago. They focus on creating memorable live experiences and provide professional growth for their staff.


  2. Rhino Staging
    Average Salary: $42,567
    Rhino Staging provides Stagehand positions in various locations, including New York, Boston, and Orlando. They emphasize teamwork and offer comprehensive training to ensure each Stagehand can perform their role effectively.


  3. MDM Entertainment
    Average Salary: $41,000
    MDM Entertainment offers Stagehand jobs in vibrant cities such as Miami, San Francisco, and Austin. They focus on producing high-energy events and support the professional development of their Stagehands through various workshops and training sessions.


  4. Live Nation
    Average Salary: $40,170
    Live Nation has Stagehand positions in cities like Nashville, Dallas, and Philadelphia. They provide a dynamic environment with many opportunities for Stagehands to work on major concerts and events, enhancing their skills in the process.

How to earn more as a Stagehand?

Becoming a Stagehand can be a stepping stone to a career in the entertainment industry. With the right approach, job seekers can increase their earnings in this role. Focusing on skills and experience will help Stagehands earn more.

Gaining expertise in specific areas can lead to higher pay. For example, a Stagehand who masters lighting, sound, and set design can command higher wages. Working on larger, more prestigious productions also pays better. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Specialization: Learn specific skills like rigging, stage management, or sound design.
  • Experience: Work on multiple productions to build a strong resume.
  • Networking: Connect with other professionals in the industry to find better job opportunities.
  • Certification: Obtain relevant certifications to stand out to employers.
  • Reliability: Be punctual and dependable to earn a reputation as a trusted Stagehand.

Currently 24 Stagehand job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Stagehand in the US?

Learn what a Stagehand does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Stagehand today.
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Stagehand
24 Job Openings