Usher Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an usher. Feel free to use our usher job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an usher.
Who is an Usher?
If you are looking for a way to make an event organized, then you should hire ushers. Whether it’s a wedding, religious program or service, workshop, seminar, or other events, hiring ushers to direct guests adds color and organization to the event. The larger the number of guests, the more ushers you will need, and vice versa. Importantly, you should have a strong understanding of your event’s needs so you can assign ushering duties or responsibilities accordingly. Although not a formal career, ushering is essential in almost all sectors and industries. One way or another ushers arguably always find gigs or jobs.
An usher is an individual responsible for checking in patrons, guests, and participants and taking them to their seats in an event (large or small). An usher works in theatres, sporting events, and any other public event that involves a crowd. Additionally, ushers serve as an extra eye for the security team; they often spot developing incidents and alert security appropriately. Typically, an ushering position is termed an informal position since an individual can become an usher without formal education. Ushers often employ their conflict resolution and customer service skills to ascend through the rungs of the career ladder. Working as an usher can be a point of entry to a higher position in sports facility management, theatre operations, or event planning. According to reports, the demand for ushers will increase sporadically in the next few years. An usher is trained to greet guests, direct them to their seats, ease the wedding stress by providing a smooth flow into the ceremony, and ensure all guests and participants are comfortable throughout the event. While rehearsing or preparing for an event, an usher pays attention and asks the relevant question when there is something ambiguous or unclear.
Individuals that love to work at entertainment complexes, symphony halls, concert halls, or weddings make excellent ushers. They make sure that the attendees and visitors have an orderly and safe experience. Also, most successful ushers have a background in hospitality and service delivery. Similarly, the usher checks and verifies tickets provides the audience with programs and tends to the spectators’ comfort, coziness, and relaxation during an event. They work hand-in-hand with the event planners and organizers, caterers, security team, clients, and other professionals in the service industry to deliver the best possible event or occasion for guests and audiences. Significantly, an usher knows about every section of the event center, performance venue, or arena; this enables them to assist patrons in finding the restrooms, food and beverage facilities, and exits. During orientation, an usher is taught how to assist patrons with disabilities. They are excellent communicators and listeners and often work on their feet for most of the shift. Travel and working unsociable hours are part of the ushering career; they may be required to work weekends, public holidays, or at night depending on the nature and time of the event. However, the specifics and basics of an ushering job can vary based on the event and are mostly learned on the job.
Relatively, an usher might be required to perform basic cleaning and maintenance in some events as well as to adhere to safety rules and regulations. As an event progresses, an usher may collaborate with the security unit to curb nuisance and eject problematic guests from the arena where necessary. They may also perform minor administrative tasks depending on their level or cadre and contractual agreement. Usually, an usher learns how the seats are numbered or alphabetized in the venue. Where there are no reserved seats, the usher simply guides and directs patrons and spectators to fill those seats. They frequently used flashlights to guide people in darkened event venues. Ushers ensure the safety exits, emergency beepers, and fire alarm systems are functioning properly; he or she escorts, evacuates, and leads people out of the event in a calm, orderly, and safe manner during an emergency. In most events, an usher helps participants and guests search for lost items and politely asks those sitting in the wrong seats or positions to move.
Furthermore, the dress code for ushers depends largely on the recommendations or demands of the client, agency, or employer. Many theatres, arenas, and other venues require their ushers to wear a company uniform that identifies them as an employee to patrons and guests. In addition, most ushers wear professional clothing; although some are allowed to be flexible. Some employers or clients necessitate ushers to wear costumes or outfits that match the performance or theme of the venue or event. An usher ensures that only people with proper clearance and authority have access to the backstage areas of an event. They have expertise and excellent service acumen to work with clients, patrons, and audiences of different age groups including children, young adults, and elderly people.
Usher Job Description
Below are the usher job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an usher job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The job description of an usher comprises different duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Most of these functions are centered on customer satisfaction, security, service delivery, and/or administration. While minor differences might exist from event to event or organization to organization, the core duties of an usher are generally the same. The size of an event contributes to the task of an usher. Therefore, this section of the article provides a guide to potential ushers on the main duties and responsibilities of ushers which include;
- Greet and take tickets from customers: An usher is the first person or official a guest or patron encounters and interacts with at an event. When a client or customer approaches, the usher greets them politely, asks for their tickets or invitation, and scans them in accordingly. Hence, ushers need to be well-mannered, hospitable, and cheerful always.
- Hand out programs, leaflets, or bulletins: Some events have specific programs, leaflets, bulletins, and other materials. An usher is responsible for making sure that every guest gets a copy of such. These materials can be passed out or distributed while greeting guests and patrons on arrival.
- Escort guests, customers, and other attendees to their seats: Based on the place and nature of employment, this responsibility might vary slightly. In events or arenas where specific seating is assigned like a sports event, a fashion show, or a wedding, an usher merely escorts the patrons and guests to their seats. In contrast, the usher simply escorts the guests or participants to the assigned auditorium in events where specific seats aren’t allocated such as movie theatres or parks.
- Assist guests with disabilities who might need extra assistance: Not every guest will need assistance at an event. Nonetheless, an usher guides and assists a special group of patrons or attendees with disabilities or other health challenges that may require help to use a bathroom or telephone for example.
- Monitor crowds during an event: Sometimes, an usher plays the role of a monitoring or security officer at an event. Unofficially, ushers are members of the security team. As the event starts and goes on, ushers monitor the crowd and identify any unruly behavior. The perpetrators of such behaviors are ejected, talked to, or escorted from the premises by the usher in tandem with the security team. Crucially, an usher must know the proper safety procedures for different situations to effectively perform this duty.
- Serve as parking attendants: Again, this function or task can be carried out alongside members of the security team. At large events with difficult and limited parking spaces, an usher shows and directs guests to where they can park. They ensure that the cars are parked correctly to manage the limited spaces.
- Perform maintenance: Maintenance is essential after every event or occasion; ushers often clean the set and venue after an event to keep it in shape for subsequent events. This helps to provide the optimal audience experience.
- Provide emergency assistance and exit where necessary: Sadly, we cannot eliminate emergencies during an event. The emergency may be in form of a health challenge, stampede, or fire amongst others. Thus, an usher is responsible for escorting the audience out of the building or arena during an emergency. This explains why ushers are trained and oriented on the different safety procedures and protocols. An usher must not just stay calm in an emergency; he or she should also have the ability to calmly guide patrons out of the venue through the various emergency exits.
Qualifications
Admittedly, there is no compulsory formal educational requirement for an usher; in other words, an individual doesn’t need a bachelor’s or master’s degree to become an usher. However, other qualifications must be provided and earned to become eligible for employment as an usher. Event planners, event venues, and clients always go for the best from a pool of ushers. Therefore, get acquainted with both the mandatory and/or optional qualifications associated with the ushering career. Not only would it make you stand out among your competitors, but it will also prepare and equip you for a career as an usher. Hence, the qualifications for an usher are;
Even though a bachelor’s degree is not required, employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or secondary education.
A minimum of one year of working experience in a theatre, event center, or any similar environment is preferred. Any previous experience in an ushering role can suffice
Also, being a member of any professional group in the service industry is an advantage. A candidate who belongs to the international alliance of direct support professionals and/or international ticketing association for instance will be highly considered by most employers.
Similarly, a detailed understanding and knowledge of the layout of different areas or venues as well as a personable and accommodating personality is essential and beneficial.
Age is another qualification for ushers. Most clients and employers hire ushers that are 18 years and above.
Essential skills
The ability to manage crowds and remain calm in stressful situations is important in ushering. Also, standing for extended periods is a quality or skill every usher must possess. A friendly demeanor, interest in entertainment or performing arts, ability to work different shifts, and proactivity are other essential attributes employers seek from ushers. In summary, the essential skills of an usher are grouped into core skills, advanced skills, and technology skills.
Core skills: An usher must have conflict resolution and customer service skills to diffuse angry patrons and provide positive customers interactions respectively. Also, they must showcase a professional appearance and demeanor, be attentive to detail, can multitask, and communicate efficiently with others.
Advanced skills: The advanced ushering skills encompass excellent sales skills, the ability to work without constant supervision, and the ability to monitor crowds for long periods.
Technology skills: Ushers must have the ability to use technological and hard tools to perform their duties and responsibilities. They should have proficiency in using safety equipment like fire extinguishers and defibrillators. An usher should be able to use bar code readers, ticket alternative express entry scanners, and Microsoft office suite software.
How to Become an Usher
An usher checks tickets and assists people to find their seats in a cinema, theatre, entertainment venue, wedding reception, seminar, and outdoor sporting event. It is important to note the qualifications, skills, and time it takes to become an usher. Below are the steps required to begin a career as an usher;
Complete a secondary education or degree program: To start a career as an usher, try and earn a high school diploma from an accredited secondary school to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on ushering-specific skill development during your education.
Choose a specialty: You might be required to choose a specialty as an usher. Thus, determine the part of ushering that suits you and take active steps to master it.
Get an entry-level job: Once you’ve determined your specialty, look for entry-level positions in ushering to gain relevant experience and training.
Consider professional associations: For career growth and advancement, consider joining several professional associations in the industry. This can expose you to mentorship opportunities and potential recruiters.
Lastly, prepare your resume and apply for advanced ushering positions after gaining experience.
Where can an Usher Work?
An usher can work in several environments; remember, most industries hold conferences, seminars, training, and workshops for current and new staff. Thus, an usher can be employed by the following
- Private sector and individual clients
- Sporting arenas and stadiums
- Theatres and cinemas.
- Event venues and parks.
- Fashion exhibition agencies
- Hotels and other hospitality centers
- Ushers can be hired for wedding and wedding receptions
- Event planners, symphony halls, and concert halls
Usher Salary Scale
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to the salary scale of ushers. According to reports, an usher earns between $7.35 to $14.48 per hour. This depends on the employer, experience, and the duration and nature of the event. Annually, an usher is estimated to make between $19,200 to $29,100.
