What Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Greet patrons attending entertainment events"; "Examine tickets or passes to verify authenticity, using criteria such as color or date issued"; "Guide patrons to exits or provide other instructions or assistance in case of emergency"; "Maintain order and ensure adherence to safety rules"; "Provide assistance with patrons' special needs, such as helping those with wheelchairs".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 124,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 125,600 in 2035, an increase of 1,100 jobs (+0.9%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 27,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 21.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $32,910, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $36,818 in New Jersey to $38,360 in California, a gap of $1,542 (1.04 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $32,910 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 15,470, which is 45.2% of the 34,220 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 9,920.
Highest-paying states
California ($38,360), New York ($37,443) and New Jersey ($36,818) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($36,818) and New York ($37,443) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $962. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $9,477 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 1 of the 3 markets and falls short in 2. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 73.8% and 104.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (39-3000) include Gambling Dealers and Amusement and Recreation Attendants.
Frequently asked questions about Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
What is the national median wage for Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $32,910. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $36,818 to $38,360.
Which state pays Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $38,360. New York is next at $37,443.
What is the job outlook for Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 0.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 27,300 openings a year.
What education do Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $962 on a median wage of $38,310.