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Met Opera Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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The Keys assist our guests with gifts and purchases at the Met Opera Shop, online, or via special orders. They are thoughtful, engaging, knowledgeable and energetic. In addition, to superior selling ...

Key Holder, Part-Time

New York, NY

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

The Keys assist our guests with gifts and purchases at the Met Opera Shop, online, or via special orders. They are thoughtful, engaging, knowledgeable and energetic. In addition, to superior selling ...

Be Seen First

Sales Associates assist our guests with gifts and purchases at the Met Opera Shop, online, or via our special order service. They are thoughtful, engaging, knowledgeable and energetic. In addition ...

Safety Coordinator

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

The Safety Coordinator reports to the Met Opera's Director of Safety. This role provides administrative, coordination, and observational support across all aspects of the Met's safety function. The ...

The Safety Coordinator reports to the Met Opera's Director of Safety. This role provides administrative, coordination, and observational support across all aspects of the Met's safety function. The ...

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How much do met opera jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for met opera in the United States is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Metropolitan Opera performer, you need advanced vocal technique, a deep understanding of music theory, and formal training in opera performance, often evidenced by degrees or conservatory experience. Proficiency in multiple languages, familiarity with classical repertoire, and experience using stage direction and music interpretation tools are typical requirements. Exceptional stage presence, emotional expressiveness, and collaborative skills distinguish outstanding performers in this highly competitive field. These skills ensure artists can deliver powerful, nuanced performances and work seamlessly with directors, conductors, and fellow cast members on an international stage.

What are some unique challenges of working in a production role at the Metropolitan Opera?

Working in a production role at the Metropolitan Opera often involves coordinating with large, multidisciplinary teams under tight deadlines, especially during busy performance seasons. You’ll need to balance creative input with strict operational standards and may face last-minute changes in staging, costumes, or technical requirements. Adaptability and strong communication skills are essential, as you'll regularly collaborate with artists, designers, and technical staff to deliver world-class performances. The fast-paced environment offers valuable learning opportunities and the chance to work alongside some of the best professionals in the field.

What is the difference between Met Opera vs Met Opera Stage Manager?

AspectMet OperaMet Opera Stage Manager
Primary RoleOpera company management and production oversightOversees the staging and coordination of specific opera productions
Required CredentialsExperience in arts administration, possibly arts management degreesBackground in stage management, theater arts, or related fields
Work EnvironmentOpera houses, administrative offices, production venuesOn-site during rehearsals and performances, backstage and stage areas
Industry UsageUsed broadly for the organization and management of opera companiesSpecific to the coordination of individual opera productions

While both roles are integral to the success of opera productions, the Met Opera generally refers to the entire organization, including management and administrative functions. The Met Opera Stage Manager focuses specifically on the logistical and operational aspects of staging individual operas, ensuring smooth rehearsals and performances.

What is the Met Opera?

The Met Opera, short for the Metropolitan Opera, is one of the world’s leading opera companies, based in New York City. Founded in 1883, it presents a wide range of both classic and contemporary operas, featuring renowned singers, conductors, and creative teams from around the globe. The Met is known for its high-quality productions, innovative staging, and commitment to making opera accessible to broad audiences through live performances, broadcasts, and digital streaming. It operates out of the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center and is a cornerstone of American cultural life.
More about Met Opera jobs
What cities are hiring for Met Opera jobs? Cities with the most Met Opera job openings:
What states have the most Met Opera jobs? States with the most job openings for Met Opera jobs include:
Infographic showing various Met Opera job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,748 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Key Holder, Part-Time

Key Holder, Part-Time

The Metropolitan Opera

New York, NY • On-site

$21/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 19 days ago

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Job description

Keys Holders are responsible for opening, closing, and supervising sales associates to achieve daily sales goals while providing exceptional customer service. The Keys assist our guests with gifts and purchases at the Met Opera Shop, online, or via special orders. They are thoughtful, engaging, knowledgeable and energetic.  In addition, to superior selling and exceptional customer service skills, the Key Associate is an ambassador for the Metropolitan Opera and as such, helps create a lasting and memorable impression of the opera house. 

Primary Responsibilities

    • Sales
    • Achieve hourly and daily sales goals via exemplary customer service and thorough product knowledge.
    • Communicate goals and prompt associates to achieve personal and store goals
    • Provide excellent, engaging and thoughtful customer service
    • Communicate professionally, and effectively with customers and co-workers
    • Customer Service
    • Respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner .
    • Maintain a thorough knowledge of Met Opera Shop products, signings and events, in-store and web promotions
    • Maintain a thorough knowledge of past and current Met Opera productions
    • Develop thorough understanding of Lincoln Center activities
    • Merchandising
    • Assist with back stock and stock room operations to ensure the floor is well merchandised, all products are represented, and any issues are communicated to SM
    • Maintain product displays including accurate signs, price tags, and collections
    • Keep the selling area, registers and stock area clean and well maintained
    • Operations
    • Assist with web fulfillment including picking, packing, and shipping
    • Assist with receipt of purchase orders, merchandise, and supplies
    • Open and close the Shop following the proper routines and standards
    • Execute cash and deposit routines as directed
    • Ring on the register,
    • report and handle all required transactions, issue receipts and pack merchandise accurately and efficiently
    • Aid in scheduling, reporting and staff assignment breakdowns
    • Assist in training new sales associates
    • As directed, perform cycle counts
    • Stay informed of store standards, practices and routines and work accordingly
    • Adhere to all policies and programs contained in the Employee Handbook
    • Maintain and assures the store is kept clean
    • Perform other duties as directed

Skills and Qualifications

  • Excellent selling skills
  • Strong math skills and basic knowledge of retail math
  • A love of the opera and a strong knowledge of opera composers, performers, works and recordings
  • Friendly, outgoing, professional personality
  • Prior experience in retail
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills

Physical Demands

  • Selling floor work environment
  • Must be available and able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
  • Minimum weekly work hours are 15
  • Must be able to maneuver around sales floor and stock rooms, work with cleaning chemicals, and lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

$21 - $21 an hour

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Company Description

The Metropolitan Opera is a vibrant home for the most creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world.