Usher
Also known as: ticket taker, court usher, event usher, groomsman, church usher, usher supervisor
About this occupation
Ushers assist visitors by showing their way in a big building such as a theatre, stadium or concert hall. They check visitors' tickets for authorized access, give directions to their seats and answer questions. Ushers may take on security monitoring tasks and alert security personnel when required.
Essential skills and knowledge
- sell tickets
- provide directions to guests
- distribute programmes at the venue
- monitor guest access
- greet guests
- maintain customer service
- check tickets at venue entry
- explain features in accommodation venue
- communicate with customers
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers (O*NET 39-3031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Sell or collect admission tickets, passes, or facility memberships from patrons at entertainment events.
- Clean facilities.
- Provide assistance with patrons' special needs, such as helping those with wheelchairs.
- Maintain order and ensure adherence to safety rules.
- Examine tickets or passes to verify authenticity, using criteria such as color or date issued.
- Refuse admittance to undesirable persons or persons without tickets or passes.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Social, Enterprising
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$32,910 a year (2025), 121,770 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
- Passenger Attendants
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
- Cashiers
- Receptionists and Information Clerks
- Counter and Rental Clerks
- Flight Attendants
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.