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Stagehands Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Direct AV techs (assistant) audio engineers and stagehands during set up, sound checks, live show and strike. * Responsible for seamless audio delivery, routing and systems infrastructure, design ...

Direct AV techs (assistant) audio engineers and stagehands during set up, sound checks, live show and strike. * Responsible for seamless audio delivery, routing and systems infrastructure, design ...

Experience working directly with executives, presenters, talent, designers, and stagehands. Preferred Qualifications Experience with immersive and spatial audio systems. Strong understanding of audio ...

Theatre Technician

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$20.36 - $25/hr

Work effectively alongside both volunteer and professional stagehands to ensure seamless event execution. Safety & Compliance: Strictly enforce facility safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a ...

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Stagehands information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do stagehands jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for stagehands in California is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired as a stagehand?

To get hired as a stagehand, gain experience through entry-level positions or apprenticeships, and develop skills in set-up, lighting, and sound equipment. Having physical stamina, reliability, and familiarity with industry tools can improve your chances, and some employers may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Networking and applying directly to theaters, production companies, or event venues also help secure employment.

What is the difference between Stagehands vs Lighting Technicians?

AspectStagehandsLighting Technicians
CredentialsNone required, on-the-job training commonOften requires technical certifications or training
Work EnvironmentOn stage, backstage, event venuesLighting rigs, control booths, event venues
Industry UsageBroadly used across live events, theater, concertsSpecialized in lighting setup, operation, and design

While both roles work in live event settings, Stagehands handle a variety of tasks like set construction and equipment setup, whereas Lighting Technicians focus specifically on lighting design, installation, and operation. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the entertainment industry.

What qualifications do you need to be a stagehand?

To be a stagehand, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical stamina, and the ability to work flexible hours. Experience with stage equipment, basic knowledge of safety procedures, and the ability to follow instructions are also important; some employers may require training or certifications in rigging or safety protocols.

How much do stagehands make in the US?

Stagehands in the US typically earn an average hourly wage of around $15 to $25, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the production. Many work on a freelance basis and may need to be skilled in operating equipment, setting up scenery, and following safety protocols.

How to get hired as a stagehands?

To get hired as a stagehand, 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 industry tools can improve your chances; some employers also value certifications or training in safety procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Stagehands jobs in California? For Stagehands jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Stagehands jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Stagehands jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Stagehands job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,832 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The following and other duties may be assigned as necessary:

  • Installs and operates sound, lighting, and video equipment and supports all AV needs for casino and hotel floor, special events, entertainment, and group sales initiatives.
  • Coordinates equipment operation with instructional materials provided by internal or external clients in the form of scripts, riders, stage plots etc. to guide event or performance execution.
  • Performs preventative maintenance and ensures equipment is in good working order; makes minor adjustments and repairs to equipment; logs repairs with proper documentation and notifies management when correction of major malfunctions is necessary.
  • Installs, connects, programs, and properly supports a variety of AV components, including but not limited to video displays, televisions, projectors, screens, speakers, microphones, amplifiers, lights, and digital signage systems.
  • Responsible for audio and visual programming, implementation, and troubleshooting for the property to include but not limited to video wall displays, property televisions, LUCI system, Wallboard and Bright Sign software.
  • Monitors and adjusts sound levels and music programming across the property.
  • Works in collaboration with outside vendors on the set up of all audiovisual systems for entertainment/concerts and venues and coordinates any maintenance needs with the Facilities department or outside vendor.
  • Installs, terminates, tests, and labels a variety of low voltage and AV-specific cable types:CAT5/6, coax, speaker wire, and sensors.
  • Manages inventory of AV equipment to include but not limited to projectors equipment to make sure the property displays are always operating at their peak.
  • Assists in the implementation and update of AV standards, policies, procedures, and systems to deliver consistent high-quality experiences and customer service.
  • Works with staffing and scheduling models to meet service objectives and to ensure that project timelines are met.
  • Works in video and audio editing to produce property collateral, on-property signage and any other miscellaneous projects as assigned.
  • Acts as needed as “videographer” and “photographer” for property events, promotions, and Entertainment content
  • Provides friendly, fast, and helpful customer service to all guests and team members.
  • Must adhere to regulatory, department and company policies.
  • Performs all job duties in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Performs other job related and compatible duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be at least 21 years of age. 

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 2+ years of experience as an A1 or lead mixing engineer in live event production (live bands), corporate AV, broadcast environments media network. or appropriate technical education in the aspect of entertainment preferred; previous experience in a Casino/Entertainment environment a plus.
  • IT Proficiency, strong working knowledge of layer 2 or 3 switching, VLan configuration, IP subnetting and Quality of Service (QoS).
  • Network Certifications: Dante (level 2 or 3 preferred), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or AVIXA CTT.
  • Create detailed signal flows plans, I/O lists and network topology maps, integrate digital audio consoles and DSP systems across the property.
  • Deep understanding of audio signal flow, acoustics and industry standard digital/analog mixing consoles (Allen & Heat Avanti’s and QU series is a plus).
  • Diagnose and resolve latency issues, network drops and hardware malfunctions in real time. Direct AV techs (assistant) audio engineers and stagehands during set up, sound checks, live show and strike.
  • Responsible for seamless audio delivery, routing and systems infrastructure, design, build and trouble shoot (AoIP) networks.
  • Proficiency with wireless system set-ups (microphones, IEM’s, Instrument).
  • Lead Audio professional who operates (FOH) consoles while managing complex digital audio networks (Like Dante or AES67).
  • Senior AV tech is in charge of leading set up, teardown, placement, the tunning of audio systems and oversees the AV techs in coordination with all the production team.
  • For small productions 100+ , senior AV tech is in charge of all tasks, as events get bigger senior AV tech will get assistance from other AV techs and stagehands.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Knowledge of AV automation (LUCI, QSYS, Crestron, BSS, PC-Music, and IPTV), AV control systems, and Juniper Network Switches.
  • Ability to use and understand a wide variety of AV equipment and standards.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of energy and take a proactive and strategic approach to dealing with issues.
  • Must have advanced computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft applications.
  • A+ Computer/Networking course a plus.
  • Video editing experience preferred, working knowledge of audio recording.
  • Advance knowledge on mixdown FOH and monitors for live bands.
  • Working knowledge on show control systems including lighting boards. (ETC/ION).
  • Must possess proven problem solving and critical thinking skills, Ability to work quickly and with accuracy under deadlines; effectively manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
  • Ability to adapt to a changing environment and acknowledge urgency when necessary.
  • Proven ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and programs as they become available.
  • Ability to work on a team and collaborate with other departments and leaders to complete property initiatives and effective day to day operations.
  • May be “on call” for potential AV issues, must be able to acquire and maintain appropriate gaming license.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read and interpret documents In English, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to read and communicate verbally in English. Written communication skills in in English may also be required.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.

Possess ability to operate an adding machine and have computer skills.

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Team member must be able to qualify for licenses and permits required by federal, state and local regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by a team member to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The team member frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

The team member must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, and must have the ability to push, pull, reach, bend, twist, stoop, stack, crouch, kneel and balance when performing job duties in varying work areas such as confined spaces.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here represent what a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud. Team member will be exposed to an environment containing unrestricted secondhand tobacco smoke.