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Opera Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Staff Accountant

Washington, DC

$62K - $82K/yr

Manage House Accounts in Opera including month-end checkout and reactivation * Prepare journal entries related to House Account activity * Monitor group commissions and obtain DOSM approvals * Assist ...

New

PBX Agent/Front Desk Relief

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

MS Office, Excel, Word; those with experience in hotel specific software (Opera, hotSOS, etc.) will be preferred Benefits discussed during interview process Due to the cyclical nature of the ...

Mantenimiento

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

Mantenimiento

Annandale, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

Mantenimiento

Sterling, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

Mantenimiento

Mclean, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

Mantenimiento

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

Mantenimiento

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

Mantenimiento

Arlington, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

Mantenimiento

Centreville, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

Mantenimiento

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

PBX Agent/Front Desk Relief

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

MS Office, Excel, Word; those with experience in hotel specific software (Opera, hotSOS, etc.) will be preferred Benefits discussed during interview process Due to the cyclical nature of the ...

Mantenimiento

Springfield, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

PBX Agent/Front Desk Relief

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

MS Office, Excel, Word; those with experience in hotel specific software (Opera, hotSOS, etc.) will be preferred Benefits discussed during interview process Due to the cyclical nature of the ...

Mantenimiento

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Seguro médico, PTO y 401K según la elegibilidad Great American Restaurants posee y opera 14 restaurantes de alto volumen, 3 panaderías artesanales y un lugar de barbacoa en el área metropolitana ...

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Opera information

See Washington salary details

$12

$19

$25

How much do opera jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for opera in Washington is $19.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an opera singer?

An opera singer is a professionally trained vocalist who performs in operas, which are dramatic stage works combining singing, orchestral music, and sometimes dance. Opera singers use powerful vocal techniques to project their voices over an orchestra without amplification. They often sing in multiple languages and must convey deep emotion and character through their performance. Training for opera singing typically involves years of vocal study and language learning, in addition to acting and stage movement. Opera singers perform in opera houses and may also participate in concerts and recitals.

What are different careers in opera?

Opera careers include a variety of positions in and around an opera house. The opera singer is the most well-known position, but other roles involve helping manage the production, playing in the orchestra, marketing, casting, and producing materials for fundraising events. Most operatic roles involve a significant amount of coordination with other employees, particularly during performances, and you may start the planning process up to a year ahead of time. Office-based positions frequently use ticket and donor data to analyze trends, direct other employees to keep everything on-time, and purchase advertisements. Depending on your role, you may coordinate with non-profit companies or oversee interns.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an opera singer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Singer, you need advanced vocal technique, musical literacy, and typically formal training such as a degree in vocal performance. Familiarity with languages (especially Italian, German, and French), stagecraft, and music notation software is also important. Exceptional emotional expression, stage presence, and strong collaborative skills set standout performers apart. These abilities are crucial for delivering compelling performances, mastering complex roles, and building a successful career in the competitive world of opera.

What are some common challenges faced by opera singers when preparing for a new role?

Opera singers often encounter challenges such as mastering complex vocal scores in foreign languages, adapting to varying stage directions, and balancing intensive rehearsal schedules. Learning to interpret a character both musically and dramatically requires significant preparation and research. Additionally, singers must maintain vocal health amidst demanding performance periods, and collaborate closely with conductors, directors, and fellow cast members to ensure a cohesive production.

What is the difference between Opera vs Stage Manager?

AspectOperaStage Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in music, theater, or related field; specialized training in opera productionRequires a background in theater, production, or stage management; often a degree or experience in theater arts
Work EnvironmentOperas, theaters, concert halls; often involves working with performers and production teamsTheater or performance venues; coordinating rehearsals, performances, and technical aspects
Industry UsageCommonly used in classical music and opera companiesUsed across theater, musical productions, and live performances

Opera professionals focus on singing, musical direction, and production of operatic performances, while Stage Managers coordinate all aspects of live performances, including rehearsals and technical operations. Both roles require strong organizational skills but differ in their specific responsibilities and industry focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Opera jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Opera jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Opera jobs in Washington?

For Opera jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Opera jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Opera jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Opera jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Opera job openings:

Infographic showing various Opera job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,096 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Manager of Orchestra Operations & Personnel

Washington, DC • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee orchestra personnel management, including hiring, contracting, scheduling, and maintaining personnel records.

  • Administer and interpret the AFM Collective Bargaining Agreement and serve as the primary management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.

  • Develop and manage orchestra budgets, monitor labor expenses, and collaborate on financial planning and reporting.


Job description

The Manager of Orchestra Operations & Personnel serves as the primary management representative for the Washington National Opera Orchestra (WNO) and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of orchestra operations and personnel. As the department's lead orchestra administrator, the Manager oversees orchestra personnel management, administration of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Collective Bargaining Agreement, orchestra scheduling, musician contracting, payroll administration, budgeting, media services, and serves as management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.
As a member of the Artistic Planning & Operations department, the Manager collaborates closely with Artistic, Music, Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Artist Services, Development, Marketing, and visiting artistic personnel to ensure the successful planning and execution of WNO productions and special events.
The position also supports broader departmental initiatives and may assume selected artistic operations responsibilities and special projects over time, with responsibilities evolving based on departmental priorities and the successful candidate's experience, interests, and demonstrated performance.
Orchestra Operations & Personnel
  • Administer and interpret the AFM Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Serve as primary management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.
  • Foster productive labor-management relationships and resolve contractual and personnel issues.
  • Manage musician hiring, contracting, tenure processes, leaves of absence, vacancies, substitute musicians, and roster maintenance.
  • Coordinate auditions in collaboration with the Music Director and artistic leadership.
  • Develop and administer orchestra schedules and musician assignments.
  • Resolve personnel matters and facilitate communication between musicians and management.
  • Maintain orchestra personnel records and contractual documentation.
  • Partner with Human Resources and Finance regarding payroll, contracts, and employment matters affecting musicians.
  • Support collective bargaining preparation and implementation.
  • Administer media services, recordings, broadcasts, and electronic media work in accordance with applicable AFM agreements.
  • Partner with conductors, librarians, production staff, and artistic leadership to ensure all orchestra needs are met.
  • Serve as orchestra management representative during rehearsals and performances.

Departmental Operations & Special Projects
  • Support Artistic Planning & Operations initiatives and departmental projects as assigned.
  • Coordinate cross-departmental operational initiatives and special projects.
  • Assist with artist contracting, production logistics, and operational planning, as assigned.
  • Collaborate with members of the Artistic Planning & Operations team to improve departmental systems, workflows, templates, and documentation.
  • Assume additional artistic operations responsibilities over time, consistent with departmental priorities and demonstrated experience.

Budgeting & Financial Administration
  • Develop and manage orchestra operating budgets.
  • Monitor orchestra labor expenses and forecast contractual obligations.
  • Collaborate with Finance on annual budget development and forecasting.
  • Review payroll, invoices, contractual obligations, and financial reporting.
  • Assist with departmental budget administration and financial planning as assigned.

Organizational Collaboration
  • Represent WNO in interactions with orchestra musicians, conductors, guest artists, artistic partners, and visiting companies.
  • Participate in season planning and production meetings.
  • Coordinate with Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Development, Marketing, Community Engagement, and Education to support organizational objectives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Music, Arts Administration, Performing Arts Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in orchestra management, orchestra operations, or performing arts administration.
  • Demonstrated experience administering AFM collective bargaining agreements.
  • Experience managing orchestra payroll, contracts, and budgets.
  • Experience working collaboratively across multiple departments in a performing arts organization.
  • Supervisory experience preferred.