Ushers and Ticket Takers

Career summary

#No WOIS alt titles

Ticket takers and ushers typically work at:

• Arenas
• Stadiums
• Theaters

Ticket takers stand at entrances and collect tickets. They examine tickets' color, date, and other markings to make sure they are real. Ticket takers rip off part of the ticket and return the stub to the patron. At some events, they give return passes to patrons who leave the event. Ticket takers count and record the number of tickets they collect.

Ushers check ticket stubs and direct or escort people to their seats. They also distribute programs. Ushers answer patrons' questions and help them find refreshments, telephones, and restrooms. At some events, ushers and ticket takers sell snacks and beverages during breaks.

Ticket takers and ushers both maintain security at events. Ticket takers turn away people who have fake tickets. They monitor people as they enter. They may refuse to let in people who are disorderly or drunk. Ushers permit only authorized people to enter the press box. Like ticket takers, ushers monitor the conduct of people at the event. They may speak to patrons who are being rowdy, or contact a security officer for help.

Ushers and ticket takers may help janitorial staff clean up after events. They may also help other workers set up advertising and other information displays before events.

Related careers

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Baggage Porters and Bellhops
• Buspersons
• Cashiers
• Counter Attendants
• Hotel Desk Clerks
• Movie Projectionists
• Parking Lot Attendants
• Recreation Attendants
• Restaurant Hosts
• Waiters and Waitresses

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to ushers and ticket takers.

• Sell and collect admission tickets and passes from patrons.
• Count and record number of tickets collected.
• Greet patrons as they arrive at theaters, arenas, stadiums, or entertainment centers.
• Examine tickets or passes to verify they are real. Look at color and date issued.
• Guide patrons to exits or provide other assistance in case of emergency.
• Monitor patrons' activities to prevent disorderly conduct, rowdiness, or safety problems.
• May serve patrons at refreshment stand during intermission.
• Provide assistance with patrons' special needs, such as helping those with wheelchairs.
• Check the identification of those who want to enter the press box or other limited areas. Permit only authorized persons to enter.
• Help patrons find their seats, search for lost articles, and locate telephones or restrooms.
• Refuse to admit patrons who do not have tickets. May refuse to admit people who are likely to disrupt the event.
• Help solve customer problems, such as seating disputes.
• Distribute programs to patrons entering the event. Give door checks to patrons temporarily leaving the event.
• Schedule and manage volunteer ushers.
• Search for lost articles or for parents of lost children.
• May help other workers set up advertising and other information displays.
• Manage inventory and sale of artist merchandise.
• Manage informational kiosk and display or event signs and posters.
• Page individuals wanted at the box office.

Common work activities

Ushers and ticket takers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Assist and care for others
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, ushers and ticket takers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of contact with the public.
• Occasionally deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous patrons.
• Communicate with patrons and coworkers daily in person. They may also communicate via telephone.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors in theaters. A few work outdoors at stadiums and outdoor theaters.
• Often wear a special uniform.
• Work near other people, but usually have a few feet of space separating them from others.
• Are often exposed to loud sounds or noise levels, especially during concerts or movies.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work so that patrons enjoy their visit.
• Repeat the same tasks, such as taking tickets and directing patrons to their seats.
• Must sometimes make decisions that affect the image of their employer. They are able to make some decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Are able to set minor tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a monthly basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work part time or full time, but most work less than 40 hours a week.
• May work only part of the year or only during special events.

Physical demands

Ushers and ticket takers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for ushers and ticket takers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for ushers and ticket takers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

Skills and abilities

Ushers and ticket takers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Gaming Programs
• Hospitality Management

Training

To work as an usher or ticket taker, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

On-the-job training

Ushers and ticket takers usually receive informal, on-the-job training from an experienced worker. On the job, you learn:

• customer service, including how to greet patrons;
• safety procedures; and
• venue policies.

Training lasts up to one month.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Hospitality

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who are friendly, tactful, and well-groomed. While not required, a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages.

Ushers and ticket takers who work full time may receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Movie theaters
• Sports arenas
• Temporary worker agencies
• Amusement parks and other amusement services
• Performing arts centers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be slower than average. The majority of jobs for ticket takers are at movie theaters. The number of movie theaters is growing and each one will need additional ticket takers. The number of people attending plays, concerts, and other performing arts events is increasing. As the audiences grow, more ushers will be needed.

Many openings will occur each year as current workers leave this occupation. The rate of turnover is high. This is because many workers use this as their first job. Once they gain experience they move on to other, higher-paying jobs.

Other resources

References

Career cluster

• Hospitality and Tourism

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers (39-3031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Children's Attendant (349.677-018) 
• Drive-in Theater Attendant (349.673-010) 
• Press-box Custodian (344.677-010) 
• Ticket Taker (344.667-010) 
• Usher (344.677-014) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Social/Enterprising
• Social/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Service Skilled