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How much do comedy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for comedy in the United States is $16.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges comedians face when starting out in the industry?

Aspiring comedians often encounter challenges such as building a unique comedic voice, handling stage fright, and navigating the unpredictability of open mic nights or small venues. Networking with other comedians and industry professionals is essential, as is learning how to adapt material based on audience reactions. Persistence and resilience are key, since early setbacks and tough crowds are common, but these experiences help comedians refine their craft and gain confidence over time.

What Are Different Types of Comedy Jobs?

Comedy jobs fall into two major categories. The highlight of this field is the comedian, who acts as the face of the industry to tell jokes, perform skits at a club, and do stand-up routines for an audience. However, you can also find roles in this industry like personal assistants or editors who check to be sure that proposed jokes are acceptable to the audience and don't cross the line from entertainment to a legal issue. Many comedy jobs involve a significant amount of writing, particularly because you do most of the work behind the scenes, away from the view of the intended audience. Some comedy jobs are particularly fast-paced and may require producing material on short deadlines.

What is a comedian?

A comedian is an entertainer who uses humor to make people laugh, often through stand-up performances, sketches, or comedic writing. Comedians may perform in various settings, including comedy clubs, theaters, television, movies, and online platforms. They create jokes, funny stories, or parodies based on everyday life, current events, or personal experiences. Their goal is to entertain audiences and provide a unique perspective through humor.

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

To thrive as a Comedian, you need strong comedic writing, timing, storytelling abilities, and typically some stage experience or performance training. Familiarity with audio/visual equipment, social media platforms, and sometimes video editing software is useful for content creation and promotion. Creativity, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to read and engage audiences are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering engaging performances, building a following, and sustaining a successful career in the competitive world of comedy.

What is the difference between Comedy vs Stand-up Comedy?

AspectComedyStand-up Comedy
DefinitionBroad genre of entertainment involving humor in various formatsSpecific performance style where a comedian performs solo routines
Work EnvironmentTV shows, movies, theater, online platformsComedy clubs, live venues, festivals
Required SkillsWriting, acting, improvisationTiming, audience interaction, storytelling
Industry UsageUsed across multiple entertainment sectorsPrimarily in live performance settings

Comedy is a broad entertainment genre that includes various formats like sitcoms, sketches, and stand-up routines. Stand-up comedy is a specific form within comedy, focusing on solo performances aimed at eliciting laughter directly from an audience. While all stand-up comedians are part of the comedy industry, not all comedy involves stand-up routines. Understanding this distinction helps in choosing the right career path or search focus within the entertainment industry.

More about Comedy jobs
What cities are hiring for Comedy jobs? Cities with the most Comedy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Comedy jobs? The most popular types of Comedy jobs are:
What states have the most Comedy jobs? States with the most job openings for Comedy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Comedy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Comedy jobs are:
Comedy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Comedy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,819 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Freelance Content Producer - NY

Upright Citizens Brigade

Manhattan, NY

$137K/yr

Contractor

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Company Description

The Upright Citizens Brigade is home for all things comedy. Whether you’re interested in writing, performing, becoming a stronger public speaker, or just love seeing comedy, UCB has you covered! Our highly trained faculty represents the best writers and performers working in comedy today. The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre was founded by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh in 1999 and operates Theaters and Training Centers in New York & Los Angeles with Austin and Pittsburgh on its way.

Job Description

Upright Citizens Brigade is seeking freelance Content Producers to create short-form promotional content for the UCB comedy brand across social platforms and digital channels. This role is hands-on and execution-focused: producing, shooting, editing, and delivering multiple pieces of content each week that promote live shows, special events, and the theater brand overall.

This is a 3-month contract role ideal for someone who can operate independently, move quickly, and create polished comedy-forward content with minimal oversight.

Contract Details

  • 3-month contract

  • Based in New York

  • Some evening and weekend availability required for live show coverage

Responsibilities

  • Produce approximately 3 promotional content pieces per week from concept through final delivery under the supervision of the Executive Director

  • Shoot and edit content for:

    • Live comedy shows

    • Theater promotions

    • Special events and projects

  • Capture footage in live performance environments

  • Edit short-form video content optimized for social platforms

  • Manage projects from pre-production through final delivery

  • Coordinate with theater leadership, performers, and marketing staff

  • Maintain organized media workflows, file management, and delivery schedules

  • Create graphics and design elements as needed

  • Identify opportunities for recurring content formats and audience engagement

  • Adapt quickly to changing priorities and production needs

Qualifications

  • Experience producing, shooting, and editing digital promotional content

  • Strong editing skills with fast turnaround capability

  • Comfortable working independently in live event environments

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

  • Strong comedic sensibility

  • Experience creating sizzle reels / trailers for comedy

  • Familiarity with social-first content and platform best practices

  • Proficiency with production and editing tools such as Adobe Premiere, CapCut, Final Cut, Photoshop, Canva.

  • Experience capturing live comedy, theater, entertainment, or event content is strongly preferred


Additional Information

Ideal Candidate

  • Self-directed and highly organized

  • Strong creative instincts with an understanding of comedy pacing and tone

  • Able to balance speed with quality

  • Comfortable collaborating while also taking ownership of execution

  • Interested in comedy, entertainment, and digital audience growth

To Apply

Please submit:

  • Resume

  • Portfolio or reel

  • Examples of short-form promotional or social content

  • Availability for the contract period beginning June 1st, 2026

- UCB is an equal opportunity employer.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.