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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As Scheduled Department: 300950 ESM Opera Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URG 102 H Compensation Range: $17.00 - $22.10 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and ...

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Opera information

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How much do opera jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for opera in the United States is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Opera jobs? Cities with the most Opera job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Opera jobs? The most popular types of Opera jobs are:
What states have the most Opera jobs? States with the most job openings for Opera jobs include:
Infographic showing various Opera job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,284 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Sales Associate, Part-Time

Sales Associate, Part-Time

The Metropolitan Opera

New York, NY • On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Sales Associates are responsible for achieving daily sales goals while providing exceptional customer service. 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, to superior selling and exceptional customer service skills, the Associate is an ambassador for the Metropolitan Opera and as such, creates a lasting and memorable impression of the opera house.   


Primary Responsibilities

  • Ability to sell across a variety of product categories 
    • Understand and execute on up-selling and cross-selling 
    • Ability to cultivate high-end customers and patrons, creating sales and membership opportunities 
  • Provide excellent, engaging and thoughtful customer service 
  • Maintain a thorough knowledge of Met Shop products and promotions  
  • Stay informed of merchandise campaigns, promotions and store activities  
  • Actively work to maintain visual displays including accurate signs, price tags, and collections 
    • Restock and replenish the selling floor 
    • Keep the selling area, registers and stock area clean and well maintained 
  • Ring on the register, report and handle all required transactions, issue receipts and pack merchandise in the proper manner 
  • Stay current with Met Opera productions 
  • Adhere to all policies and programs contained in the Employee Handbook 
    • Stay informed of store standards, practices and routines and work accordingly 
    • Answer phones courteously and promptly 
  • As assigned assist in the training of new sales associates 
  • Communicate effectively with customers and co-workers 
  • Must fulfill scheduled obligations or find a replacement in a timely manner (subject to the approval of the store manager)  
  • Perform other retail associate duties as directed including but not limited to: 
    • Assisting with product or purchasing related administrative tasks on an as-needed basis in the merchandising office 
    • Data entry on an as-needed basis  
    • Receiving merchandise  
    • Prepare orders for shipment 
    • Performing cycle counts  
    • Other activities needed to operate the store and web business 


Skills and Qualifications

  • Excellent selling skills 
  • Strong math skills – with a knowledge of retail math desired 
  • A love of the opera and a strong knowledge of opera composers, performers, works and recordings 
  • Friendly, outgoing, professional personality 
  • Prior experience in retail (music, luxury preferred) 
  • Excellent customer service skills 
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Excellent written skills 


Physical Demands

  • Selling floor work environment. 
  • Ability to work flexible hours. 
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.  


$17 - $17 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.