What Do Stage Managers Typically Earn?
A lot of us stay mum when it comes to talking about our salaries, but I’ve decided to be open about mine. I think it’s helpful, especially for individuals considering a career in the arts, to have an idea of what they could potentially earn.
“So, you’re majoring in theater?” many veteran professionals questioned me back then, often followed by the advice to stop. I was left wondering, were they barely surviving? Working non-stop to make ends meet? Or maybe not getting jobs at all? We often see two sides of the arts – either the struggling artists or the multi-million dollar successes.
But let’s demystify this. The world of arts offers a wide variety of jobs and opportunities where you can turn your theater degree into a rewarding career. This also includes stage managing, or other fields that can leverage your degree.
To give you a sense, I’ve put together some figures on stage manager salaries from various sources, including my own experience:
– Stage Management Internships – $0.00/hr
– Equity Stage Manager Minimum – $10.67/hr
– Circus Stage Manager – $11.54/hr
– TheatreWorks Stage Manager – $14.97/hr
– Cruise Ship Stage Manager – $15.75/hr
– Average Stage Manager – $17.91/hr
– Broadway Stage Manager – $62.50/hr
If you’re a professional stage manager, chipping in to this anonymous survey on stage manager salaries would be helpful to understand the pay scales across different companies.
Bear in mind, though, that these figures are based on an estimated 40-hour workweek—except for the circus stage manager which assumes 60 hours (and we all know we often work more than estimated).
Another reality check is that projects in this industry usually have built-in expiry dates. Yes, the life of a stage manager is unpredictable. One month you are making good money on a project, next month you could be looking for work and surviving on unemployment benefits.
The location of your work also matters. The majority of high-paying opportunities are in cities with a high cost of living. So being open to relocating, even internationally, or touring could open up better opportunities, particularly when starting.
My research seeks to demonstrate that stage management is a viable career option. If you approach it as a career and not merely a shot at Broadway, you can actually make a respectable living.
So, I open the floor to you, readers: what’s the most bizarre career advice you’ve ever received? Let’s share our stories!
Note: This data focuses on salaried stage managers, and I’m yet to consider how to include stage managers working on stipend basis.