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Stage hand vs loader/unloader

The differences between stage hands and loader/unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a stage hand has an average salary of $35,686, which is higher than the $31,827 average annual salary of a loader/unloader.

The top three skills for a stage hand include venues, audio systems and stage equipment. The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.

Stage hand vs loader/unloader overview

Stage HandLoader/Unloader
Yearly salary$35,686$31,827
Hourly rate$17.16$15.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs10,76667,063
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%High School Diploma, 63%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a stage hand do?

Stagehands are skilled employees who work in the television, film, or theatre to assist other crew members set up the sound, lighting, and other equipment as well as helping performers change into their costumes. These employees are required to hang banners, update marquees, and handle other signage within the venue as it is important for any production. They must keep the venue clean by removing any trash in waste containers and sweeping the stage floor in between shows. Stagehands must also perform any adjustments on the set and run errands when necessary.

What does a loader/unloader do?

A loader's responsibilities regularly involve manual work such as lifting and transporting objects to vehicles like trucks and vans. The tasks of a loader may also include operating various kinds of machines, maintain accurate documentation and inventory, sort and organize goods while examining their quality and quantity, and devise strategies on how to expand space capacity. A loader also needs to coordinate with staff at all times, and report to managers or supervisors should there be any issues or inconsistencies.

Stage hand vs loader/unloader salary

Stage hands and loader/unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Stage HandLoader/Unloader
Average salary$35,686$31,827
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $49,000Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City-Tacoma, WA
Highest paying state-Minnesota
Best paying company-Bunge
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between stage hand and loader/unloader education

There are a few differences between a stage hand and a loader/unloader in terms of educational background:

Stage HandLoader/Unloader
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%High School Diploma, 63%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Stage hand vs loader/unloader demographics

Here are the differences between stage hands' and loader/unloaders' demographics:

Stage HandLoader/Unloader
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 79.9% Female, 20.1%Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.5% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 5.8% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between stage hand and loader/unloader duties and responsibilities

Stage hand example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage multiple stages: FOH mix, monitor mix, and video presentation editing mix.
  • Operate powered lift trucks, floor sweepers, pallet jacks and forklifts safely.
  • Operate powered li trucks, floor sweepers, pallet jacks and forkli s safely.
  • Fill gas in boats and run errands for customers while they are on the boat.
  • Help carry and assist customers with canoes and kayaks.
  • Operate skiffs, pontoons and kayaks and prepare them for customer use.
  • Show more

Loader/unloader example responsibilities.

  • Check boxes for leaks or damages so they can be send to back to QA.
  • Provide QA and material damage reports.
  • Position also require the use of RF equipment.
  • Load shingles on roof tops during the summer time.
  • Roof LoaderLoading shingles and unloading other roofing materials onto roofs.
  • Stock groceries and freight, unload trucks, condition aisles.
  • Show more

Stage hand vs loader/unloader skills

Common stage hand skills
  • Venues, 21%
  • Audio Systems, 12%
  • Stage Equipment, 10%
  • Audio Equipment, 9%
  • Backline, 6%
  • Video, 5%
Common loader/unloader skills
  • Inventory Control, 27%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
  • Pallets, 13%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Delivery Truck, 3%

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