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Backline Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Stage Hand - Ace of Spades

Sacramento, CA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

... 's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine ... Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other ...

Stage Hand

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

... 's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine ... Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other ...

Venue Non-Union Stagehand

El Cajon, CA

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

... 's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine ... Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other ...

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Backline Tech information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do backline tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for backline tech in California is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

In the entertainment industry, high-level backline technicians working with major artists or large productions can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and overtime. Such roles often require advanced technical knowledge, certifications, and the ability to manage complex audio, lighting, and stage equipment in demanding environments.

What hot tech job pays $775 000?

A Backline Tech typically does not earn $775,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the tech industry. High-paying tech jobs often include software engineers, data scientists, or CTOs, but salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and company size.

What are the most common challenges faced by a Backline Tech during live events, and how can they be managed effectively?

Backline Techs often face challenges such as last-minute equipment changes, troubleshooting technical issues under tight time constraints, and coordinating with artists who have unique gear preferences. Effective communication with stage managers and performers, thorough pre-show checks, and having backup equipment ready are key strategies to manage these challenges. Building strong relationships with both the audio team and performers helps to anticipate needs and ensures smooth transitions during live shows.

What are Backline Techs?

Backline Techs, also known as backline technicians, are professionals responsible for setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting musical instruments and related equipment for live performances, concerts, and studio sessions. They ensure that all instruments such as guitars, keyboards, drums, and amplifiers are performance-ready and function correctly throughout events. Backline Techs work closely with musicians, stage crews, and sound engineers to provide seamless support before, during, and after shows. Their expertise is vital for preventing technical issues and ensuring smooth performances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backline Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backline Tech, you need a solid understanding of musical instruments, equipment setup, troubleshooting, and experience in live event environments. Familiarity with audio consoles, amplifiers, wireless systems, and basic electrical safety, along with relevant certifications like AVIXA or manufacturer-specific training, is highly valuable. Strong communication, organization, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure reliable performance support, quick problem-solving, and seamless event execution for artists and production teams.

What does a backline technician do?

A backline technician is responsible for setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting musical equipment such as amplifiers, guitars, drums, and keyboards used during live performances. They ensure all gear functions properly and may assist with load-in, load-out, and equipment safety checks. Strong technical skills and knowledge of audio equipment are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Backline Tech vs Audio Engineer?

AspectBackline TechAudio Engineer
CredentialsTechnical training, certifications in audio or music techDegree in audio engineering or related field, certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at concerts, tours, live eventsStudio, live events, broadcast settings
Employer & IndustryMusic tours, festivals, event productionRecording studios, live sound companies, broadcast

Backline Techs primarily focus on setting up and maintaining musical equipment for live performances, while Audio Engineers handle the overall sound quality, mixing, and recording. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, but Backline Techs are more equipment-focused, working closely with musicians and stage crews, whereas Audio Engineers often work in controlled environments like studios or broadcast settings.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Backline technicians in the music or event industry can earn around $3,000 per month through freelance work or full-time positions, especially with experience and technical skills in audio, lighting, or stage setup. Other roles such as commercial drivers, sales representatives, or certain skilled trades may also reach this income level without requiring a college degree, often relying on certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.
What job categories do people searching Backline Tech jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Backline Tech jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Backline Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Backline Tech job openings:
Production Coordinator- Part Time

Production Coordinator- Part Time

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Live Nation rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Summary:
WHO ARE WE?
Live Nation Entertainment is the world's leading live entertainment company, comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. Ticketmaster is the global leader in event ticketing with over 500 million tickets sold annually and more than 12,000 clients worldwide. Live Nation Concerts is the largest provider of live entertainment in the world promoting more than 40,000 shows and 100+ festivals annually for nearly 4,000 artists in over 40 countries. These businesses allow Live Nation Media & Sponsorship to create strategic music marketing programs that connect over 1,000 brands with the 98 million fans that attend Live Nation Entertainment events each year. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
Live Nation's Concerts Division is where tours are born, artists come to life, and fans get to experience the rush of live music. From our dozens of owned/operated Amphitheaters to our Global Touring team, from Ticketing and Venue Operations to Marketing and Sales... we foster a fun and upbeat work culture with no shortage of opportunities. With perks ranging from free concert tickets to dog-friendly offices, to progressive benefits like student loan reimbursement and adoption/fertility support... it's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine's "50 Companies that Care". We want everyone to feel like they belong and can thrive in our community, so we strive to help you achieve your career and personal goals. Live music is our passion and where we find our common ground. There has never been a better time to join Live Nation.
WHO ARE YOU?
Passionate and motivated. Driven, with an entrepreneurial spirit. Resourceful, innovative, forward thinking and committed. At Live Nation Entertainment, our people embrace these qualities, so if this sounds like you then please read on!
THE JOB
Responsible for assisting the Production Manager with administrative show and event productions. Confidentiality is very critical to this role.
WHAT THIS ROLE WILL DO
  • Must Ensure positive and creative environment for the Production department and Venue
  • Complete and distribute a daily show flash (P&L) of every event
  • Have a detailed understanding of deal structure and the settlement process
  • Maintain department manuals and training materials for all production positions
  • Train /Assist and support production department personnel with job functions as needed
  • Responsible for adhering to the budget and tracking the financial aspects of department
  • Create and maintain inventory and maintenance log
  • Ensure all procedures are cost effective
  • Creates daily/weekly show schedule to present weekly at staff meeting Ensuring information is distributed to Operations Managers in a timely basis
  • Work with the Production Manager scheduling appropriate number of staff while maintaining labor costs within the assigned budgetary guidelines
  • Maintain regular communications with Production Manager and the GM
  • Facilitate proper interdepartmental communication and organization
  • Help to manage stage, sound, and lighting crews
  • Coordinate operational feedback with Talent Buyer
  • Advance technical and Hospitality details for shows/events along with the Production Manager
  • Oversee maintenance of audio, lighting, backline, video systems advising on repairs when needed
  • Responsible for safe and consistent operation of all equipment
  • Attends production and operations meeting as outlined by the GM
  • Maintain a detailed and thorough filing system of all "past show" files on the shared drive
  • Maintain accurate vendor records, following Purchase Ordering Systems

WHAT THIS PERSON WILL BRING
Required:
  • Calm / Professional and customer service oriented
  • Prior production experience in an entertainment venue
  • Tour and Stage Production experience
  • Understanding of stage lighting, pro audio systems and video systems
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Ability to make clear concise decisions, sometimes with limited information
  • Computer literate in Windows applications (Excel and Word a must)
  • Must possess superior interpersonal communication and organizational skills

Preferred:
  • College Degree

Physical Demands/Working Environment:
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs
  • Moderate to loud level or noise in work environment

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are passionate and committed to our people and go beyond the rhetoric of diversity and inclusion. You will be working in an inclusive environment and be encouraged to bring your whole self to work. We will do all that we can to help you successfully balance your work and homelife. As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with. It's talent that matters to us and we encourage applications from people irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status or caring responsibilities.
Live Nation strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.
We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act and consistent with other similar and / or applicable laws in other areas.
We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, Live Nation will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, Live Nation also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact a Human Resources Representative to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. Live Nation will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case by case basis.
HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Live Nation recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. Live Nation may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms.
**Please note that the compensation information provided is a good faith estimate for this position only and is provided pursuant to the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and Equal Pay Transparency Rules. It is estimated based on what a successful Colorado applicant might be paid. It assumes that the successful candidate will be in Colorado or perform the position from Colorado. Similar positions located outside of
Colorado will not necessarily receive the same compensation. Live Nation takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the CO EPEWA, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
The expected compensation for this position is:
$23.20 USD - $29.00 USD Hourly
** Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

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