Salary Scale for an Average Stage Manager
Mel @ brokeGIRLrich / October 29, 2018
Three years ago, I shared my experiences with the unpredictable income of being a stage manager. I’ve been reflecting on this again as I consider leaving my present role.
In retrospect, my decade in stage management– four years learning the ropes plus ten years working on ships – shows me how eccentric the earning arena can get. On a brighter note, I feel like I’ve mastered dealing with these irregularities, leading me to develop some very effective habits.
I’ve been lucky, having had an exceptional stage management teacher in college. Apart from that, my success was due to hard work and keeping my promises. Here’s a condensed version of my income journey:
Year One (Final Year of College)
Stage Manager for the College Dance Department – $290 for the entire semester
Other Jobs: Stage Hand and Substitute Teacher
Year Two (First Year of Grad School)
Small Touring Theatre Company – $500/month for half a year
Other Job: Substitute Teacher
Years Three to Four (Second and Third Years of Grad School)
Reprise at Small Touring Theatre Company – $500/month for half a year
Other Jobs: Insurance Agent and Substitute Teacher
Year Five to Seven
Cruise Ships – From $90/day to $115/day over these three years
Other Job: School Tour Guide
Year Eight
Cruise Ships – $125/day
Year Nine
Circus – $38,000/year
Other Job: Mystery Shopping
Year Ten
Experimental Theatre Show – $450
Other Jobs: Production Management, Freelance Writing, Blogging
Year Eleven
Children’s Theatre – $700/week with $30/day per diem and Experimental Theatre Show – $175/show
Other Jobs: Substitute Teaching, Freelance Writing, Blogging
Year Twelve
Children’s Theatre, Opera, and Children’s Program – varied from $700/week to $4,000 for a quick tour
Other Jobs: Freelance Writing, Blogging
Year Thirteen
Various roles in Tours, Regional Theatre, and New York Show – varied from $400/week to $1,500, with a stint of unemployment in between
Other Jobs: Freelance Writing, Blogging, Substitute Teaching, Transcription, Brand Ambassador
Year Fourteen to Fifteen
Circus – $70,000/year
Other Job: Blogging
Across these years, I’ve learned to manage my finances effectively. I detest being in debt and make sure to clear any as soon as possible. I aim to pay my bills at the start rather than end of each month, and as soon as one obligation is cleared, I start saving for the next.
I create savings goals based on their importance, and revise them as my income changes. I understand that the secret to a healthy financial future is saving, even if it means letting go of some fun until those targets are achieved.
After dealing with immediate expenses like rent, insurance, food, utilities, I prioritize retirement savings – the power of compound interest is significant. I’ve aimed to max out my IRA since the age of 25 and it’s making a visible difference.
I keep track of my net worth regularly and jot down my goals, ensuring I’m well-informed about my finances so I can make necessary adjustments when required.
If you’re looking into stage management but feel alarmed by income narratives, I hope my experience offers some encouragement.
There are definitely opportunities to prosper in arts, especially if you can find jobs that include housing, as I’m doing fifteen years in. Leaving behind the broadway-or-nothing mentality helps too.
As long as I’m able to make ends meet, I’m content. So far, it’s going well!
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