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Per Diem Stage Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Rochester

Stage Hand-3

Rochester, NY

$17.50 - $22.79/hr

Time as Reported / Per Diem Scheduled Weekly Hours: As Scheduled Department: 300950 ESM Opera Work ... Prepares, sets up, tears down, adjusts, repairs, and maintains stage and theatre equipment ...

University of Rochester

Stage Hand- Opera

Rochester, NY

$17.50 - $22.79/hr

Time as Reported / Per Diem Scheduled Weekly Hours: As Scheduled Department: 300950 ESM Opera Work ... Prepares, sets up, tears down, adjusts, repairs, and maintains stage and theatre equipment ...

University of Rochester

Stage Hand- Opera

Rochester, NY

$17.50 - $22.79/hr

Time as Reported / Per Diem Scheduled Weekly Hours: As Scheduled Department: 300950 ESM Opera Work ... Prepares, sets up, tears down, adjusts, repairs, and maintains stage and theatre equipment ...

Paramount

Stagehand (per diem)

Chicago, IL

$36.03/hr

IATSE Local 2 Per Diem Stagehand position filling studio shifts for scheduled productions, vacation ... Stage electric, stage carpentry, property persons, spotlight operators and lighting operation and ...

Paramount

Stagehand (per diem)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$36.03/hr

IATSE Local 2Per Diem Stagehand position filling studio shifts for scheduled productions, vacation ... Stage electric, stage carpentry, property persons, spotlight operators and lighting operation and ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Stage Operations Crew

Houston, TX · On-site

$18/hr

The Alley guarantees a minimum of 32 hours per regular eight show week for all run crew positions ... Training in safe operation of stationary and portable power tools and hand tools. * Experience ...

Divided Sky Foundation

Per Diem Driver

Ludlow, VT

$20/hr

We are looking for a Per Diem Driver to join our team and make a difference in the lives of others ... Sufficient hand, arm, and leg coordination to operate steering wheel, pedals, and vehicle controls

Divided Sky Foundation

Per Diem Driver

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking for a Per Diem Driver to join our team and make a difference in the lives of others ... Sufficient hand, arm, and leg coordination to operate steering wheel, pedals, and vehicle controls

Walton Arts Center

Local Stage Crew

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$18/hr

... per season. Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, NWA (as the locals refer to it) includes ... Experience using basic hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, drills...etc. is preferred * Reliable ...

Walton Arts Center

Local Stage Crew

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$18/hr

... per season. Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, NWA (as the locals refer to it) includes ... Experience using basic hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, drills...etc. is preferred * Reliable ...

Rhino Staging LLC

Stage Crew Syracuse

Syracuse, NY

$30 - $35/hr

... of hours per week, month, etc. Applicants with previous industry experience and flexible ... stage crews for live events nationwide. We've pioneered many positive changes in the entertainment ...

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All JobsPer Diem Stage Hand Jobs

Per Diem Stage Hand information

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$10

$19

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How much do per diem stage hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem stage hand in the United States is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a Per Diem Stage Hand, and how flexible are the hours?

As a Per Diem Stage Hand, your work schedule is generally project-based and can vary significantly depending on the event calendar and venue needs. Shifts may include evenings, weekends, and even overnight hours to accommodate show times and load-ins or load-outs. The role offers considerable flexibility, allowing you to accept or decline shifts based on your availability, but it also requires adaptability to last-minute changes and irregular hours. This flexibility makes it ideal for those seeking supplemental income or balancing multiple commitments, but it also means steady work is not always guaranteed.

What kind of jobs pay per diem?

Per diem jobs are temporary or short-term positions that pay a daily rate rather than a fixed salary, often used in fields like healthcare, hospitality, and event staffing. These roles typically require flexibility and may involve travel or irregular hours, with payment made for each day worked regardless of hours worked within that day.

What are the duties of a stage hand?

A stage hand is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment and scenery for performances. They assist with loading and unloading gear, change stage setups between acts, and ensure safety protocols are followed during productions. Strong physical stamina, knowledge of tools, and teamwork are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Per Diem Stage Hand vs Stage Technician?

AspectPer Diem Stage HandStage Technician
CredentialsNone required, on-the-job training commonRelevant technical certifications or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary, event-based settings such as theaters, concerts, and toursMore permanent or long-term production environments, including theaters and studios
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by event companies, touring productions, and theaters for short-term laborEmployed by production companies, theaters, and studios for technical support

Per Diem Stage Hands typically perform temporary, event-based tasks with minimal credentials, focusing on manual labor during live productions. Stage Technicians often have specialized training and work in more permanent production settings. Both roles are essential in the entertainment industry but differ mainly in experience requirements and work duration.

How to get hired as a stage hand?

To get hired as a stage hand, gain experience through entry-level positions or apprenticeships, and develop skills in set-up, lighting, and sound equipment. Having physical stamina, the ability to work flexible hours, and familiarity with tools and safety protocols can improve your chances of employment in the industry.

What are Per Diem Stage Hands?

Per Diem Stage Hands are temporary or on-call workers who assist with the setup, operation, and breakdown of equipment and scenery for live events, concerts, theater productions, and other performances. They are typically hired for specific events or dates, rather than as full-time staff. Their duties can include loading and unloading equipment, assembling stage components, handling lighting and audio gear, and ensuring the safe movement of materials backstage. Per Diem Stage Hands are essential for ensuring that events run smoothly and efficiently, often working irregular hours based on event schedules.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Per Diem stage hands typically do not earn $4,000 a week; their pay depends on the event, location, and experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree include specialized trades like commercial diving, certain skilled construction or industrial jobs, and freelance or contract work in fields such as tech or consulting, which often prioritize skills and experience over formal education. These roles may require certifications, physical ability, or specific technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Per Diem Stage Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem Stage Hand, you need a solid understanding of stagecraft, basic rigging, and set construction, often gained through hands-on experience or technical theater training. Familiarity with tools like power drills, lighting consoles, and audio-visual equipment is typically required, and OSHA safety certification is highly valued. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure safe, efficient event setups and smooth backstage operations, directly impacting show quality and safety.
More about Per Diem Stage Hand jobs
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Stage Hand jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Stage Hand job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Stage Hand jobs? The most popular types of Stage Hand jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Per Diem Stage Hand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Stage Hand jobs are:
Per Diem Stage Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Per Diem Stage Hand job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,374 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Stage Hand-3

Stage Hand-3

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY

$17.50 - $22.79/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

University Of Rochester rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

26 Gibbs Str, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14604

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

300950 ESM Opera

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 102 H

Compensation Range:

$17.50 - $22.79

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Prepares, sets up, tears down, adjusts, repairs, and maintains stage and theatre equipment, including orchestra instruments, seating, stage lighting, audio and visual equipment, scenery, and any other equipment needed for rehearsals and performances within assigned production and performance spaces.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assembles and arranges equipment, instruments, scenery on stage for each production prior to and during the performance.
  • Tears down and loads out equipment and scenery at completion of production.
  • Loads in equipment and scenery for productions.
  • Repairs and maintains equipment and scenery.
  • Other duties as assigned.


MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • High School diploma or equivalent and 1 year of experience required
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge and/or familiarity with all stage equipment required
  • Awareness of safety at all times required
  • Ability to lift items weighing up to and including 100 pounds required
  • Good communication and concentration skills required
  • Ability to read and write English and to understand and follow verbal and written instructions required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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