The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) reports that independent stages account for around 9.2% of total US travel and tourism revenue, generating USD $10.62 billion in off-site tourism spending alone. NIVA’s The State of Live report also shows that the sector’s total economic output amounts to USD $153.1 billion in a given year, driven by fan spending on lodging, dining, shopping, and transportation.
The growth of the events industry has created a corresponding demand for staff who are technically savvy, safety-focused, and adaptable. Events can present myriad challenges, from equipment breakdowns to power outages and last-minute schedule changes. Staff must therefore be resilient, committed, and able to solve problems quickly, even under pressure.
Technical Event Crew Member Roles
Teens looking to work for a live event production company have a range of roles to choose from, making this industry a good fit for people with different skills and interests. For those who enjoy movement, stage assembly and dismantling, and setting up scenery and equipment, the stagehand role is a good fit. Those who are knowledgeable about cables and lighting, meanwhile, may enjoy fulfilling the role of lighting technician. Video or AV technicians can also work with cameras, LED screens, projectors, and presentations.
Other roles include riggers (who receive specialized training to install suspended equipment), warehouse technicians (who maintain and prepare equipment for functions), and production assistants (who handle paperwork, communication, and event logistics). New crew members don’t need to know all these work categories. Instead, many start with general event assistance tasks before becoming specialists in one area.
Key Skills Employers Seek
Many roles in the events industry require technical skills ranging from safe lifting to electrical awareness, and equipment identification and inventory control. Teens who wish to master skills that help them get hired in the industry can benefit from discovering available courses at the local and state levels. Educational offerings vary widely from city to city and state to state.
For instance, the Summer Stock Stage Technical Theater Program in Indianapolis, Indiana, focuses on high school students who want to learn skills such as lighting, sound, microphone systems, scene construction, backstage operations, and even stage management.
NJPAC Backstage Pathways in Newark, New Jersey, meanwhile, teaches scenic design, stage construction, lighting technology, and other specialist techniques. The Apollo Theater Technical Stage Production Internship, also focused on teens, teaches senior-year high school students everything from audio engineering to lighting design and videography. Students have multiple paths to make a living in this dynamic, entertainment- and education-centered field.
The Rise of Soft Skills
As in many other industries, event production companies seek not only staff who are technologically savvy, but also those with so-called “soft skills” such as emotional intelligence—the ability to interact well with others and regulate emotions. They want to work alongside passionate teens who are punctual, team-oriented, and able to solve problems and conflicts calmly.
Other vital qualities in this industry include physical stamina, attention to detail, and professional conduct with clients, performers, and venue staff. Because many events take place on weekends or run into the late hours of the night, staff must also be willing to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours.
What Can Teens Expect to Earn?
Teens who want to know expected salaries and employment prospects in the tech side of the events industry can consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. The latter indicates that overall, employment in media and communication occupations is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 88,500 openings are projected each year on average. The median annual wage for media and communication workers as a whole stood at $74,250 in May 2025. However, salaries vary by role. For instance, photographers with a high school diploma or equivalent had a 2025 median pay of $44,660, while technical writers (those who prepare instruction manuals and supporting documents) were paid around $90,390. Meanwhile, film and video editors and camera operators earned around $75,100.
The events industry is experiencing continued growth, which may be of interest to teens seeking a dynamic career. Technical courses abound in the U.S., with similar courses being offered to young people across the nation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a rundown of employment opportunities and salaries and is a good place to start for those seeking more information about working in this industry.
Also read:
How to Teach Teens to Manage their Time
Helping Your Teen Land Their First Job
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