Pay varies widely for theater technicians. Entry-level pay will be a fraction
of what long-time union workers can earn. Specialists often earn more, but
workers skilled in multiple areas may be more employable, since they can do
many different jobs.
Samantha Hindle is the head of sound at a theater. She says apprentices
may be paid only a small stipend. But on average, pay depends on the size
of the theater and the show.
"Hourly wages can be between $12 to $30," she says. "Specialized workers
often get paid more per hour."
She says it's not unusual for a professional theater technician to earn
$50,000 per year.
"Entry-level pay would be in the mid to high 30's, and a long-term union
member or touring technician could be making almost six figures," says technical
director Anthony Churchill.
Ernie Yezzi is a sound technician and electrician who also handles other
tasks behind the scenes. Yezzi says there's a large gap when it comes to pay.
"The extremes would be, for beginners $9 to $12 an hour, all the way up to
$400,000 a year if you work at Carnegie Hall." He says the median income for
an experienced theater technician is probably $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
While the recession has cut funding for many theaters, skilled stagehands
are always in demand. "Most designers have a main area of focus, but then
have other skills to get them through times when their primary area is not
hiring," says Churchill.
Even in slow times, there is always a need for theater technicians. Hindle
says that schools, universities, museums, concert halls, places of worship,
dance studios, hotels, amusement parks, arenas, galleries, trade shows, department
stores, and even your local city often hire theater techs for shows and all
kinds of live events.