Salaries for Live Event Crew Jobs in 2021
LASSO’s annual Crew Pay Rate Report is now out for 2020-2021. You can hop directly to the report to see all the details, or read on for a preview of what to expect from this year’s national results.
Every event is only as good as the people who make it possible. We live and breathe this at LASSO, but it’s never been more true than it is right now. After a year that has put the live events industry itself and all of us within it through the ringer, we’re determined to come back stronger than ever.
But we need more than herd immunity to reinvigorate the live events industry. Rebuilding will take time, and when we build back, we all want to build back better.
LASSO’s Crew Pay Rate Report is one step in that effort. While we’ve published the results of our live events crewing data every year for the past five years, this year is unique. Our results are based on a huge sample size: over 700,000 live crew event jobs that were placed through our crew management software. Our results also span the country and are subdivided by region to ensure that readers of our report have access to relevant and contextualized data, whether you’re an organization in need of live events crew or talent looking for gigs in the live events industry in a particular part of the US.
Finally, our robust data has made it possible to look at 14 common live event crew jobs and identify median pay for gigs requiring this position.
Live event crew jobs included in this report:
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Audio: A1, A2
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Video: Camera Op, LED tech, Projectionist, V1, V2
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Lighting: LD, L1, L2
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Carpenter
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General AV Tech / Utility
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Master Electrician
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Stagehand
Learn more about LASSO
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What does an A1 audio engineer do in a live event?
In live event production, the A1 is the primary audio engineer responsible for the technical sign of the entire sound system like PA, mics, wireless and the live sound mixing for the show. This is a critical role in live events along with lighting and video, so it’s important to find talented individuals to staff this role.
How much does an A1 audio engineer earn in 2021?
Following the industry-wide downturn triggered by COVID, pay rate prospects for A1 audio engineers are on the up as the live events industry begins to return.
While nationwide median pay rates for A1 audio engineers can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were A1 audio engineers paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that A1 audio engineers in the Midwest commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does an A2 do in a live event?
The A2 or Audio Technician assists the A1 in the technical aspects of handling audio equipment backstage. The A2 handles microphones, microphone cables, lavalier mics, speakers and a host of other audio equipment backstage, making sure that all is working properly and effectively.
How much does an A2 audio technician earn in 2021?
Even though pay rates for A2 techs have not yet fully recovered to pre-COVID levels, with industry forecasts predicting a surge in live events as more and more states open up, A2 wages are set to increase as well.
While nationwide median pay rates for A2 can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were A2 audio technicians paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that A2 audio technicians in the Midwest commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a camera operator do in a live event?
Camera operators are responsible for capturing the action, whether that means setting up and positioning camera equipment, choosing the most suitable lenses and camera angles, planning and rehearsing shots, following a camera script and taking cues from the director, or working closely with other technical departments, such as lighting and sound.
How much does a camera operator earn in 2021?
Camera operators saw big fluctuations in their pay rates during the pandemic in 2020. However, now that demand is increasing – and posed to continue increasing – camera operator pay rates are much higher than they were the same time last year.
While nationwide median pay rates for camera operators can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were camera operators paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that camera operators in the Midwest commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does an LED tech do in a live event?
An LED tech or technician is specialized in LED technology. In the context of live events, LED technicians assist with the setting up and striking of LED wall display products.
How much does an LED tech earn in 2021?
Unfortunately, with the downturn of the live events industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we weren’t able to gather a large enough sample size of LED techs who worked gigs during the year to offer a meaningful assessment of national median pay rates.
We can, however, take a closer look at the regions of the US where LED techs did find work in 2020 to see what average pay rates were regionally.
In which markets were LED techs paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that LED technicians in the Midwest and Southwest commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a projectionist do in a live event?
A projectionist for a live event is an expert in the placement and projection of displays. The projectionist troubleshoots, color matches, and ensures correct color and black levels.
How much does a projectionist earn in 2021?
Unfortunately, with the downturn of the live events industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we weren’t able to gather a large enough sample size of projectionists who worked gigs during the year to offer a meaningful assessment of national median pay rates.
We can, however, take a closer look at the regions of the US where projectionists did find work in 2020 to see what average pay rates were regionally.
In which markets were projectionists paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that projectionists in the Midwest commanded the second-highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a V1 do in a live event?
A V1 is a highly trained and experienced expert who bears ultimate responsibility for the video display system. The V1 directs the construction, wiring, and timing of the video system. The V1 also color-matches and shades cameras, routes video signals to record bays, projection, and numerous other mediums.
How much does a V1 earn in 2021?
Even though median pay rates for V1 dipped during the pandemic, wages have recovered significantly and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
While nationwide median pay rates for V1 can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were V1 paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that camera operators in the New England commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a V2 do in a live event?
A V2 is a video specialist who assists the V1, projectionist, or tape op in setting and striking of video equipment, running, and labeling cables, building cameras, and similar activities. The V2 may also assist with camera shading during show run. They must have a knowledge of video signal flow and setup of video components.
How much does a V2 earn in 2021?
Rates for V2 enjoyed an initial boost when COVID rates were lower during Q3 and V2 were harder to come by. As the industry recovers and more V2 return to the labor market, rates are set to normalize.
While nationwide median pay rates for V2 can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were V2 paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that camera operators in the Midwest and Southeast commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a lighting designer do in a live event?
A lighting designer (LD) designs the lighting system for the event. They design the lighting package and light placement. They work with the Master Electrician to accomplish execute the design.
How much does a lighting designer earn in 2021?
Lighting designer pay rates took a hit during the height of the pandemic, but pay rates are coming back at pace with the return of the industry.
While nationwide median pay rates for lighting designers can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were lighting designers paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that lighting designers in New England commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does an L1 do in a live event?
The L1 leads the lighting set up. This includes interpreting the lighting plot for rig and light fixture placement, assignment of dimmer patches, and final focus. They also program and operate lighting systems.
How much does a L1 earn in 2021?
L1 pay rates took a hit during the height of the pandemic, but pay rates are coming back at pace with the return of the industry.
While nationwide median pay rates for L1 can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were L1 paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that L1 in the Southwest commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does an L2 do in a live event?
The L2 lighting specialists have knowledge of lighting equipment and signal flow. The L2 places lighting elements, builds truss, run signal cable, and assists in the focus of the lighting system. L2 lighting specialists may also operate spotlights during the show.
How much does a L2 earn in 2021?
Even though we’ve not yet put the pandemic completely behind us, L2 pay rates have already increased beyond pre-pandemic levels.
While nationwide median pay rates for L2 can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were L2 paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that L2 pay rates are consistent across US regions, but the region that pays the best is far ahead of the others. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a carpenter do in a live event?
The carpenter must be able to setup and dismantle scenic pieces, sets and props for events/conferences as required by the lead carpenter. A live events carpenter has a good eye for detail and should be able to make minor repairs. An awareness of safety practices is a must.
How much does a carpenter earn in 2021?
Carpenter pay rates took a slight hit during the pandemic, but they’re already on their way back to normal as we move past this downturn and look forward to big growth in Q3 and Q4.
While nationwide median pay rates for carpenters can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were carpenters paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that carpenters in the Rocky Mountain and West Coast regions commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which region earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a general AV tech do in a live event?
The general AV tech is a basic level skilled technician with an understanding of AV conference setups/strikes of audio/video/lighting and can follow instructions, run cable, and lift heavy objects. They will be assigned to an audio/video/ lighting department. Technicians must be willing to work in any department as assigned and have a good work ethic. General AV techs must have basic AV knowledge and able to take direction.
How much does a general AV tech earn in 2021?
General AV tech pay rates fluctuated throughout the pandemic, but as the industry begins to normalize, so are AV tech pay rates.
While nationwide median pay rates for general AV techs can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were general AV techs paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that carpenters in the New England and Mid Atlantic regions commanded the second-highest pay rates nationally. To find out which regions earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a master electrician do in a live event?
The master electrician is responsible for the proper distribution of power. They must be knowledgeable about different power distributions, 200 Amp 3 Phase, 120/208Y, 208VAC, and standard power process. The master electrician works with audio, video, and lighting to ensure everyone has the necessary power.
How much does a master electrician earn in 2021?
Master electrician pay rates took a hit due to the pandemic, but pay rates are rising back to normal as we face increasing demand in Q3 and Q4.
While nationwide median pay rates for master electricians can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were master electricians paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that carpenters in the Southwest commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which regions earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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What does a stagehand do in a live event?
The main role of a stagehand is to assist with laborious tasks such as set/strike, stage building, set-piece placement, truss placement, case pushing, cable runs, scaffold building, and heavy lifting of various equipment. The stagehand also assists with any necessary changes during run of show.
How much does a stagehand earn in 2021?
Stagehand pay rates have fluctuated due to the industry downturn caused by the pandemic. While initial pay rates from Q1 are lagging behind pre-pandemic pay rates, we expect to see an increase as the industry returns.
While nationwide median pay rates for stagehands can tell us a lot, we also know that pay varies significantly based on the market you’re working in. That’s why we broke down these numbers by US region to see how pay rates varied across the country:
In which markets were stagehands paid the highest in 2020?
LASSO’s data found that stagehands in the Southwest commanded the second highest pay rates nationally. To find out which regions earned the top spot, download the free crew pay rate report.
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The come back is greater than the setback
With live events set to return in a big way for Q3 and Q4 of 2021, it’s important that live event talent and live event organizers alike prepare.
Live events crew talent, register for our Crew Marketplace to get more gigs in 2021.
Event companies , access a curated, fully compliant workforce to make your next event a success.
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