Usher

Your Fit

Income

$31K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Usher?

An Usher is a professional responsible for guiding people to their seats at various venues like theaters, stadiums, or concert halls. They play a key role in ensuring an organized and enjoyable experience for guests at entertainment events.

Sample job titles:

Lobby Attendant, Ticket Taker, Usher, Visitor Services Representative

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Usher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Usher earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$23K per year	$27K per year	$31K per year	$36K per year	$40K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $18K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Usher do?

Work environment

Ushers typically work in environments where entertainment and public events are held, such as movie theaters, performing arts theaters, concert halls, and sports arenas. Their work often involves evening, weekend, and holiday hours, corresponding with event schedules.

Quick task list

Greets guests and checks tickets at venue entrances.
Assists guests in finding their seats and provides programs or informational materials.
Addresses guests' questions and concerns.
Ensures the safety and cleanliness of the seating area.
Helps with crowd control and evacuation procedures during emergencies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Theater Ushering: Specializing in assisting guests at live theater performances.
Concert Hall Ushering: Focusing on music venues and concert events.
Sports Event Ushering: Working at stadiums and arenas during sports games.
Movie Theater Ushering: Assisting moviegoers in cinemas.
Event Ushering: Providing services at various events like conferences, weddings, or private functions.

Description

The role of an usher is integral to the smooth operation of entertainment venues. They are often the first point of contact for guests, setting the tone for their experience. Ushers need to have a thorough knowledge of the venue, including seating arrangements, facilities, and emergency procedures. They must be able to communicate effectively and courteously, as they often deal with inquiries and may need to handle challenging situations, such as seating conflicts or assisting guests with special needs.

An usher's job requires a combination of customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. The role may also involve some physical activity, like standing for extended periods, climbing stairs, and sometimes lifting or moving objects. Ushers need to be vigilant, observant, and ready to respond to any situation that may arise, ensuring the safety and comfort of all guests.

Working as an usher offers a unique opportunity to be part of the entertainment and cultural events industry. It can be a particularly appealing job for those who enjoy social interaction, have an interest in the arts or sports, and appreciate the dynamic nature of event-based work.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being part of exciting events and contributing to guests' enjoyment.
Opportunities to interact with diverse groups of people.
Being part of a team that ensures the success of events.

You might make a good Usher if you are...

Personable and enjoy interacting with the public.
Good at communication and customer service.
Observant and quick to respond to situations.
Interested in the arts, sports, or entertainment industries.
Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Pros:

Working in a lively, dynamic environment.
Opportunities to see various events and performances.
Meeting a wide range of people.

Cons:

Often requires working during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
May involve standing for long periods and dealing with crowded situations.
Occasionally handling difficult guests or situations.

How to become an Usher

Typical education

There are no formal education requirements for becoming an usher. Training is usually provided on the job, and a high school diploma is often sufficient for employment.

High school preparation

Courses:

Hospitality or customer service-related courses.
Drama or arts education to gain an appreciation for the theater and events.
Physical education to maintain the stamina required for the job.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at school or community events.
Participating in drama club or event planning committees.
Gaining experience in customer service roles.

Preparation after high school

Seeking employment at local venues to gain direct experience.
Pursuing short courses or certifications in customer service or hospitality.
Volunteering at larger venues or events to gain more diverse experience.

More resources

International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) - Offers resources and networking opportunities for venue management professionals.
Event Safety Alliance - Provides resources and training for safety at events.
National Association for Customer Service - Offers certification and training in customer service skills.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.