Security Guard
Protect people and property by observing, patrolling, controlling access and reporting.
- $38,020
- Days to 2 weeks
Hospitality, Food & Tourism career
Usher
Also called: Ticket Taker · Event Staff · Lobby Attendant · Venue Attendant
What ushers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an usher do?
Ushers, lobby attendants and ticket takers assist patrons at entertainment events by performing duties such as collecting tickets and directing patrons to seats. The median pay is $32,910 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few hours to days, and employment is projected to grow +0.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$32,910$15.82/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+0.9%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year27,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationNo formal educational credentialBLS classification
- Time to trainA few hours to daysTypical program length
- U.S. jobs124,500Employment, 2025
What ushers do
Ushers help guests enjoy events. They scan tickets, direct guests to seats, answer questions, enforce venue rules, help with accessibility and assist in emergencies at theaters, stadiums and arenas.
No formal education is required, and training is short. BLS projects little change.
Typical duties
- Scan tickets
- Guide guests
- Answer questions
- Enforce rules
- Help with accessibility
- Assist in emergencies
- Keep areas tidy
Work environment and schedule
Ushers work in theaters, stadiums, arenas and venues.
Schedule: Evenings, weekends and event days.
A day in the life
- Event briefing.
- Open doors.
- Scan tickets.
- Seat late arrivals.
See a full day in the life of an usher →
Usher salary
Half of ushers earned more than $32,910 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $23,560 for the lowest 10% to $42,470 for the top 10%.
Full usher pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an usher
- Apply to a venue
- Complete venue training
- Work events
- Learn sections
- Advance
No formal educational credential is required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an usher →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Ticket scanning
- Seat maps
- Crowd management
- Accessibility help
- Emergency procedures
People skills
- Friendliness
- Calm
- Patience
- Communication
Pros and cons
Pros
- See shows and games
- Flexible part-time work
- Short training
- Fun atmosphere
Cons
- Low pay
- Irregular hours
- Standing
- Crowd issues
Certifications and licenses
- Crowd management training: Helpful.
- First aid and CPR: Helpful.
- Alcohol awareness: Helpful.
- Venue training: Required.
Career path
- Usher: Entry.
- Lead Usher: Lead.
- Event Supervisor: Supervise.
- Guest Services Manager: Manage.
Learn the job before day one
Our Usher training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as seat guests in a dark theater and handle a guest who breaks venue rules, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Amusement Park Attendant
Run rides, games and attractions at amusement parks and recreation centers.
- $32,150
- A few days of training
Concierge
Help guests and residents get reservations, tickets, tips and anything they need.
- $38,950
- 1–6 months on the job
Movie Projectionist
Run and maintain digital projectors and sound systems in movie theaters.
- $38,270
- A few weeks on the job
Compare: Usher vs. Security Guard · Usher vs. Amusement Park Attendant · Usher vs. Concierge · Usher vs. Movie Projectionist
Usher FAQ
Is ushering part-time?
Usually.
Do I need experience?
No.
Do ushers see the show?
Sometimes, while watching their section.
How much does an usher make?
The median annual wage for ushers was $32,910 ($15.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $23,560 and the highest 10% earned more than $42,470.
How long does it take to become an usher?
Most people need about A few hours to days of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be an usher?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-3031 (Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.