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The differences between stage managers and stage hands can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a stage manager has an average salary of $50,142, which is higher than the $35,686 average annual salary of a stage hand.
The top three skills for a stage manager include stage management, audio equipment and control room. The most important skills for a stage hand are venues, audio systems, and stage equipment.
| Stage Manager | Stage Hand | |
| Yearly salary | $50,142 | $35,686 |
| Hourly rate | $24.11 | $17.16 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 699 | 10,766 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | - |
A stage manager is someone who oversees theatrical performances and all practical and technical aspects of rehearsals and shows, such as lighting cues, sound, prop usage, and costume changes. The core skills that stage managers should possess to accomplish their responsibilities include excellent attention to detail, the ability to multi-task and work under pressure, and strong leadership and problem-solving skills. They should be able to delegate tasks to staff. The job requires no formal education.
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.
Stage managers and stage hands have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Stage Manager | Stage Hand | |
| Average salary | $50,142 | $35,686 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $76,000 | Between $25,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a stage manager and a stage hand in terms of educational background:
| Stage Manager | Stage Hand | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Theatre | Business |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between stage managers' and stage hands' demographics:
| Stage Manager | Stage Hand | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.3% Female, 55.7% | Male, 79.9% Female, 20.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 14% | 5% |