Performing Arts Technicians

Performing Arts Technicians nec operate technical equipment and manage infrastructure in theatres, concert halls, studios, and live performance venues across Australia. They set up, maintain, and operate lighting rigs, sound systems, projection equipment, and stage machinery to support theatre productions, dance performances, music concerts, and other live events. These technicians work collaboratively with directors, performers, and other technical crew to ensure precise execution of technical cues during rehearsals and performances.

Set up and rig lighting equipment including lamps, fixtures, gels, and colour filters according to lighting design specifications and venue infrastructure. Operate lighting control desks and programming systems during rehearsals and live performances, executing cues and adjusting intensity and colour in real time. Install, test, and operate sound reinforcement systems including microphones, mixing consoles, amplifiers, and speakers for theatrical and musical performances. Manage audio recording and playback equipment for live performances, ensuring sound levels meet technical specifications and artistic intent. Set up and operate projection systems and video playback equipment for stagecraft, scenery projection, and multimedia elements. Construct and operate stage machinery including flying systems, moving platforms, and mechanical effects in compliance with relevant Australian safety standards. Conduct safety checks and maintenance on all technical equipment, identifying faults and arranging repairs or replacement. Create and execute technical cue sheets and run sheets during performances, coordinating timing and sequence of lighting, sound, and effects with stage management.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate IV or Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training (ABS skill level 3). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

The work is heavily gig-based and casual. You'll patch together contracts between shows, meaning unpredictable income and gaps between jobs. Pay is modest compared to other technical trades, and there's no clear salary progression. You're also on your feet for long hours during load-ins and tech rehearsals, often at night or weekends.

Regional centres have limited opportunities outside touring shows. Work is almost entirely venue-based and not remote.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 3995, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Adapt artistic plan to locationcore
• Adapt to artists' creative demandscore
• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Digital Literacycore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Multitaskingcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workflow Prioritisationcore
• Active Listening
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Policy and Procedure Adherence
• Process Documentation
• Quality Assurance and Checking
• Record Management
• Workload Self-Management
• Written Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026