How to Become an Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker in 2026
Median salary: $31,150 · +1.2% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does an Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker do?
Assist patrons at entertainment events by performing duties, such as collecting admission tickets and passes from patrons, assisting in finding seats, searching for lost articles, and helping patrons locate such facilities as restrooms and telephones.
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers is $31,150. The bottom 10% earn around $22,880 while the top 10% earn over $40,210.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $22,880 |
| Early career (P25) | $27,140 |
| Median | $31,150 |
| Experienced (P75) | $35,650 |
| Top earners (P90) | $40,210 |
Highest-paying metros
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $40,160 |
| Washington | $37,730 |
| Colorado | $36,660 |
| New York | $36,250 |
| California | $35,990 |
| Massachusetts | $35,070 |
| Maine | $35,010 |
| New Jersey | $34,430 |
| Oregon | $33,740 |
| Connecticut | $33,220 |
| Montana | $32,860 |
| Minnesota | $32,060 |
| Maryland | $32,050 |
| Idaho | $31,220 |
| Arizona | $31,090 |
| Alaska | $30,840 |
| Rhode Island | $30,780 |
| Vermont | $30,460 |
| Illinois | $29,910 |
| Delaware | $29,680 |
| South Dakota | $29,470 |
| Hawaii | $29,120 |
| Georgia | $28,970 |
| Missouri | $28,810 |
| Pennsylvania | $28,740 |
| Ohio | $28,410 |
| Florida | $28,360 |
| Nevada | $28,270 |
| Indiana | $28,200 |
| Virginia | $27,680 |
| Wisconsin | $27,600 |
| Texas | $27,340 |
| North Carolina | $27,300 |
| Wyoming | $27,240 |
| New Mexico | $27,140 |
| South Carolina | $27,090 |
| Nebraska | $27,060 |
| Arkansas | $26,890 |
| Michigan | $26,660 |
| North Dakota | $26,510 |
| New Hampshire | $26,460 |
| Tennessee | $26,310 |
| Utah | $25,570 |
| Mississippi | $25,440 |
| Louisiana | $24,800 |
| Oklahoma | $24,390 |
| Kentucky | $23,900 |
| Iowa | $23,100 |
| Kansas | $22,840 |
| West Virginia | $22,730 |
| Alabama | $21,570 |
How to earn more as an Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker
The salary range for Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers spans $17,330 — from $22,880 at entry level to $40,210 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $42,450 — $11,300 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (industry-recognized certifications)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Most entry-level positions provide on-the-job training. Look for apprenticeship programs through unions, trade associations, or the Department of Labor's ApprenticeshipUSA program. Community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs that can be completed in 6–12 months. OSHA safety certifications are widely valued and often required.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (industry-recognized certifications)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Career changers are in demand across this field. Your existing professional skills — problem-solving, communication, time management, and work ethic — are valued by employers even if your technical skills are new. Many organizations offer orientation programs or short certification courses designed specifically for career changers. Contact industry associations, local unions, or community colleges for programs in your area.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
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The Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker role has a moderate AI exposure score. Some tasks may be augmented by AI tools, but the core role remains human-driven.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker.
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SOC: 39-3031.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034