Also called: Spot Operator
Aims a powerful spotlight that follows performers around the stage.
A spot operator sits in a tiny chair high in the arena rafters, wearing a headset and tracking the singer's every move with a bright beam.
Approximate; often local union gig work.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. A high school diploma plus on-the-job training at a venue; many follow spot operators are stagehands who belong to an IATSE local.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Theater Technology.
Growing slowly. Robotic tracking spots are replacing some operators.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Automated tracking spotlights now follow performers by sensor, cutting operator jobs.
Age 18+. One way to start: Ask local arenas, theaters and event labor companies about spot operator calls; they train you at the venue
Classes: Theater tech crew, Physics, Music, Physical education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-4015.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.