How much does a Stagehand make?
Stagehands play a vital role in many industries, including theater, film, and live performances. They handle a variety of tasks behind the scenes to ensure that performances run smoothly. According to recent data, stagehands can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $41,660. This figure provides a good baseline for understanding the earnings potential in this field.
Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution for stagehands:
- The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $27,060 annually.
- The next 15% earn between $27,060 and $31,151 annually.
- About 28% make between $31,151 and $35,242 per year.
- Another 17% earn between $35,242 and $39,333 annually.
- 13% make between $39,333 and $43,424 per year.
- 7% earn between $43,424 and $47,515 annually.
- 2% make between $47,515 and $51,605 per year.
- Another 4% earn between $51,605 and $55,696 annually.
- About 3% make between $55,696 and $59,787 per year.
- 2% earn between $59,787 and $63,878 annually.
- The highest-paid 1% make over $63,878 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Stagehand?
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $56,667
Portland offers a thriving arts scene with many theater productions and music events. Companies like Portland Center for the Performing Arts often need skilled crew members. Working in Portland means being part of a vibrant community that values creativity.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $56,107
San Francisco's bustling entertainment industry makes it an exciting place to work in the arts. The Golden Gate Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre are prominent venues where stagehands play a crucial role. Join the vibrant culture and enjoy the scenic beauty.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $54,347
San Jose provides many opportunities in live events and theater productions. Companies like the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts often hire experienced crew members. Enjoy a dynamic work environment and a chance to be part of a creative team.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $54,222
Seattle boasts a dynamic theater scene with venues like The Showbox and The Moore Theatre. Working in Seattle means being part of a community that values the arts. Experience the Pacific Northwest's unique charm while contributing to its vibrant cultural landscape.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $48,901
Los Angeles, the entertainment capital, offers many opportunities in theater and live events. With venues like the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, stagehands have the chance to work with top talents. Join the city that never sleeps and be part of its legendary arts scene.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $48,626
Denver's arts scene is on the rise, with venues like the Ellie Caulkins Opera House providing opportunities. Working in Denver means being part of a city that values creativity and hard work. Experience the charm of the Mile-High City while contributing to its growing arts community.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $47,016
Las Vegas offers a unique opportunity to work in a city filled with entertainment. Venues like The Mirage and Caesars Palace often need experienced crew members. Working in Las Vegas means being part of the excitement and entertainment of the Entertainment Capital of the World.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $46,722
Washington, DC, offers a vibrant cultural scene with many theaters and performance venues. Companies like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts often look for skilled crew members. Enjoy the history and culture of the capital while being part of its dynamic arts scene.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $43,727
San Diego's lively arts scene includes many theaters and venues like the Old Globe Theatre. Working in San Diego means being part of a city that values the arts. Experience the beauty of Southern California while contributing to its thriving arts community.
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $43,682
Tucson offers a vibrant arts scene with venues like the Tucson Convention Center. Working in Tucson means being part of a community that appreciates creativity. Enjoy the beauty and culture of the Southwest while contributing to the local arts scene.
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What are the best companies a Stagehand can work for?
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Oak View Group
Average Salary: $43,292
Oak View Group provides stagehand opportunities in major cities across the country. The company specializes in sports and entertainment events. They operate in numerous locations, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago. As a stagehand for Oak View Group, you will work on high-profile events.
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Rhino Staging
Average Salary: $42,503
Rhino Staging offers stagehand positions with above-average pay. They focus on events that require expert stage management. Rhino Staging is active in cities like San Francisco, Dallas, and Miami. Their team environment supports professional growth and development.
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Live Nation Entertainment
Average Salary: $41,325
Live Nation Entertainment is a global leader in live entertainment. They offer stagehand jobs in major urban centers such as Los Angeles, Nashville, and Philadelphia. Working with Live Nation provides exposure to a variety of events and a dynamic work atmosphere.
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Traba
Average Salary: $35,500
Traba is known for its stagehand positions in vibrant cities like Seattle, Denver, and Boston. They focus on creating immersive event experiences. With Traba, you can expect to gain valuable industry experience and work with creative teams.
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SEPHORA
Average Salary: $34,429
SEPHORA offers stagehand roles in their major retail locations. They host events that blend entertainment with retail experiences. SEPHORA operates nationwide, providing opportunities in cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
How to earn more as a Stagehand?
Becoming a stagehand can lead to more than just stage experience. It can open doors to higher pay and career advancement. By focusing on certain factors, a stagehand can increase their earning potential. Consistency, skill, and attitude all play a part in advancing in this field.
First, gaining experience in multiple areas of stage work can help a stagehand earn more. Knowing different aspects of a production, such as lighting, sound, and set design, makes a stagehand more valuable. Each skill adds to their overall worth on a job. Second, networking within the industry can lead to better job opportunities. Building relationships with directors, producers, and other stagehands opens doors to higher-paying gigs. Being known as reliable and skilled leads to more work and better pay.
Additionally, taking initiative can set a stagehand apart from others. Volunteering for extra tasks or learning new skills shows dedication and willingness to grow. This proactive attitude often results in raises and promotions. Seeking out training and certifications in specialized areas can also increase earning potential. For example, becoming certified in rigging or sound engineering can lead to higher-paying jobs. Finally, staying current with industry trends and technologies ensures a stagehand remains competitive and valuable.
- Gain experience in multiple areas of stage work.
- Network within the industry to find better opportunities.
- Take initiative by volunteering for extra tasks and learning new skills.
- Seek training and certifications in specialized areas.
- Stay current with industry trends and technologies.
