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Theatre Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Programmer/Lead Electrician

Austin, TX · On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

As Austin's leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community. The Programmer/Lead Electrician will serve as the ...

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... Theatre's efforts to be an anti-racist organization. * To be considered for "Lightboard Programmer," applicants must have skill programming complex sequences with multi-parameter fixtures on ETC EOS ...

... Theatre's efforts to be an anti-racist organization. * To be considered for "Lightboard Programmer," applicants must have skill programming complex sequences with multi-parameter fixtures on ETC EOS ...

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Safety Coordinator

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Technical Theater, Engineering, or related field. * OSHA 30 certification (General Industry or Construction). * First Aid/CPR/AED certification. * Experience ...

Knowledge of theatrical directions and terms. * Knowledge of audio engineering principles to accomplish work. * Knowledge of professional sound systems and current sound technology to meet production ...

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Theatre Engineering information

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$75K

$114.3K

$152.5K

How much do theatre engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for theatre engineering in the United States is $114,331.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of theatre engineering, high salaries of $500,000 or more are uncommon and typically associated with senior management roles, such as theatre technical directors or chief engineers, especially in large or prestigious venues. These positions require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve overseeing complex systems like lighting, sound, and stage machinery. Most theatre engineers earn significantly less, with salaries varying based on location, employer, and level of expertise.

What can you do with a theater tech degree?

A theater engineering degree prepares individuals for roles such as stage technician, lighting designer, sound engineer, or set designer. Graduates often work in live performance venues, theaters, or production companies, utilizing skills in equipment operation, technical design, and safety protocols. Certifications in rigging or electrical work can enhance employment opportunities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of theatre engineering, senior roles such as Theatre Engineering Managers or specialized technical directors with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually. These positions often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in systems like lighting, sound, and stage automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Theatre Engineering position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Theatre Engineer, you need a solid grounding in mechanical and electrical engineering principles, experience with stage machinery, and typically a degree in engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with industry-standard systems such as AutoCAD, lighting control software, and stage automation tools is important, as are certifications in relevant safety and rigging practices. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication help Theatre Engineers coordinate effectively with production teams and respond quickly to technical issues. These abilities are vital for ensuring the safety, reliability, and seamless execution of live performances in theatrical venues.

What is a Theatre Engineering job?

A Theatre Engineering job involves designing, maintaining, and operating the technical systems used in theaters, such as stage machinery, lighting, sound, and rigging. Theatre engineers work closely with production teams to ensure that performances run smoothly and safely. They may also develop innovative solutions for stage automation and special effects. This role requires a combination of engineering expertise and a deep understanding of theatrical production.

What are some typical challenges Theatre Engineers face during live productions?

Theatre Engineers often encounter unique challenges such as troubleshooting technical malfunctions under tight time constraints and adapting to last-minute production changes. They are responsible for ensuring all stage equipment and automation systems operate smoothly and safely, often coordinating with lighting, sound, and set design teams on the fly. Flexibility and quick thinking are crucial, as issues can arise unexpectedly during rehearsals or live shows. The fast-paced, collaborative environment makes the work exciting, but also demands careful planning and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Is theatre tech a good career?

Theatre engineering is a specialized field involving the design, setup, and operation of technical equipment such as lighting, sound, and stage machinery. It offers opportunities for creative problem-solving and working in live entertainment environments, often requiring technical skills and certifications. Job stability and advancement depend on experience, skills, and the size of the organization or productions involved.
More about Theatre Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Theatre Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Theatre Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Theatre Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Theatre Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Theatre Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Theatre Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Theatre Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Theatre Engineering jobs are:
Infographic showing various Theatre Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,331 per year, or $55 per hour.
THEATRE TECHNICIAN

THEATRE TECHNICIAN

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI • On-site

$17 - $26.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


Central Michigan University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Posting Number
S-3743
Position Number
00150
Type of Recruitment
External
Position Title
THEATRE TECHNICIAN
Position Summary
This position will act as the head carpenter and scene shop supervisor for a 5-show season within the Theatre and Dance department, ensuring all safety policies and procedures for the scene shop and venue are followed. The theatre technician also supervises and mentors paid and volunteer student workers in the scene shop and during load-in of scenic elements, and during light hangs and focuses and sound system installation.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience that equates to four years in Theatre or theatrical carpentry.
Experience with scenic carpentry and rigging.
Ability to read construction drawings.
Basic knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound equipment, and systems.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Theatre.
Three years of professional theatrical carpentry experience.
Experience with various sound systems in performance.
Experience managing and mentoring university students in a theatre shop.
Duties & Responsibilities
Mentors and supervises students in scenic carpentry, rigging, lighting hang and focus, and sound installation.
Serves as the head carpenter and shop supervisor for a multiple show season within the Theatre and Dance department.
Ensures that all safety policies and procedures for the scene shop and venue are followed.
Maintains and repairs the scene shop and all scene shop equipment.
Works with the technical director to make recommendations on equipment and materials to be purchased.
Maintains and repairs rigging, lighting and sound equipment, and systems at multiple on campus venues.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU's mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
This position will remain open until filled. The university reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.
Employee Group
Supervisory Technical
Staff Pay Level
5
Pay Range
$17.00 - $26.50 per hour, estimated salary between $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Division
Academic Affairs
Department
Theater & Dance
Position Status
Regular
Position End Date
Employment Status
Part-Time
FTE
0.5
Position Type
12 month
Weekly Work Schedule
Mon-Fri, 20 hours per week
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
About the Department
About the Department: The Department of Theatre and Dance is a growing, vibrant and passionate community of dedicated and creative individuals, with a long history. Our graduates are engaged professionally across the nation in all manner of endeavors.
To learn more about the department, visit the department website.
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master's, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men's and women's Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It's part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state's largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the city's central location in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
CMU Leadership Standards
Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.
Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "Know Your Rights " posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled
Yes

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