Stage Production Workers

Earnings vary widely according to the worker's experience, job responsibilities, the geographic location of the theater, and the budget of the performance. In addition, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees reports that different local chapters have different pay scales, although its members, who are mostly employed at the largest commercial houses and on Broadway, generally earn more than nonmembers. Set and lighting designers generally work on a freelance basis and are paid widely varying fees on a per-project basis.

The pay of costume designers is often based on the number of costumes designed. Experienced designers working in major markets such as New York and Chicago earn more than those in other markets. Local unions often determine salary scales. Some costume designers working in summer theaters earn around $500 or more a week, but others may earn substantially less. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that fashion designers—a group that includes costume designers—made a median salary of $73,790 in May 2019. Costume attendants earned an average hourly wage of $19.91, or $41,410 annually.

Mean hourly earnings for other stage production workers in May 2019, according to the DOL, include: carpenters, $27.84 ($57,900 annually for full-time work); sound engineering technicians, $30.42 ($63,280 annually); riggers, $31.19 ($64,880 annually); makeup artists, $35.78 ($74,430 annually); and hairstylists $40.71 ($84,680 annually).

Most full-time workers receive health insurance and other benefits, as established by the local union contract. Because workers are hired for a particular time period, vacations are rarely provided.