Stagehand
Impact: Direct
Stagehands are integral to live performances, theatrical productions, and events, responsible for setting up, operating, and dismantling stage equipment. This includes lighting, sound, scenery, props, and special effects. They work closely with directors, designers, and other crew members to ensure the smooth execution of a show.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Extensive
- Team vs solo
- Team-oriented
- Client facing
- Rarely
- Impact visibility
- High
- Travel
- Moderate
- Schedule flexibility
- Rigid
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- Variable, often long and irregular
- Stress level
- High
At a glance
- Median salary
- $50,000
- Entry-level
- $35,000
- Senior
- $75,000
- Growth by 2033
- 8%
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- High
- Salary growth potential
- Moderate
- Typical student debt
- Low
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Rigging
- Lighting Operation
- Sound Engineering
- Set Construction
Soft skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Technical complexity: High
How to get there
- Minimum education
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 5
- Years to senior
- 10
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Lead Stagehand, Technical Director, Production Manager, Lighting Designer, Sound Engineer
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- 25%
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Stable
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 7/10
- Meaning
- 8/10
- Work-life balance
- 5/10
- Prestige
- 4.5/10
- Social perception
- Moderate