How to Get a Job As a Band Roadie

If you’re looking for a career in music, a job as a band roadie is an excellent way to start. These professionals are in charge of everything from transporting equipment to running sound and lighting for live shows. They often work nights and weekends, making them extremely busy.

How much do band roadies make?

The salary of a band roadie can vary significantly depending on the type of work they do. For example, a guitar technician may earn between $20,000 and $48,000 per year. This can be higher for someone with experience and a good reputation. Alternatively, a person with a degree in sound engineering can expect to make between $29,000 and $124,690 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How to get a job as a band roadie

Many people who want to become a band roadie begin by volunteering with local bands or church choirs. These unpaid gigs will allow them to gain valuable experience behind the scenes of a live show and help them build up their CV.

Another option is to take a creative apprenticeship in technical theatre or music (live events and promotion). These courses give you hands-on training on the set up of theatre productions as well as music performances.

In the early days, this sort of role was usually male-dominated. However, as times have changed so have the roles of women in the industry.

To be successful as a band roadie, you must have a love for music and be committed to hard work. This means that you need to be able to cope with long periods of travelling and intensely physical work.

A passion for working with a team can be an advantage too. For example, it can help you to work in a large crew of musicians, allowing you to communicate easily and prioritise tasks. It also helps to be a positive member of the band, being punctual and delivering high quality service to your clients.

How to become a band roadie

A person can start as a roadie by contacting bands through friends or family members, or by approaching music venues or agents. This can be difficult for a person who has no previous music experience, but it can be a great way to get started and learn the skills needed for the job.

As a career, a job as a band roadie can be very rewarding and can lead to further employment opportunities such as a tour manager or sound engineer. Some bands also offer paid opportunities for their roadies, but these can be difficult to obtain and are generally limited to higher profile artists.

How to find a band roadie position

To be a good roadie, you must be a good communicator and enjoy working in a large team. It’s also important that you understand the health and safety rules associated with touring, especially if you are working at heights or driving a vehicle on public roads.