Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Band Roadie- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Between concerts Band Roadies are responsible for the movement of a musical act’s equipment from venue to venue, on the day of concerts they are also responsible for setting up the equipment, helping with the technical set up such as sound checking and lighting tests, troubleshoot issues during the concert itself and afterwards dismantle and pack the gear away for transport onwards.
Set up can include tuning guitars, setting up speakers in the optimal location and ensuring the stage layout is as specified. They also must ensure the stage setting is safe, and work with venue staff to resolve issues.
Further Information
- Roadie- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Band Roadie
Band Roadies need to be physical fit, knowledgeable about music, especially the technical aspects of instruments and sound systems, and efficient. On tour, days will run to a tight schedule and a huge amount is dependent on the roadies ability to get equipment moved and set up on time.
Touring will mean long periods of time spent on the road, so Band Roadies need to be comfortable with this as well as possessing good interpersonal skills.
Interests - Band Roadie
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Band Roadie
If you are interested in becoming a Band Roadie or Music Technician, there is no single path to follow. You can gain experience in different ways, such as working for local venues, touring with bands, or studying music technology. However, some skills are essential for this role, such as knowing how to perform and record music, and how to set up and operate sound equipment. You should also be prepared to do physical work, such as carrying and installing gear and cables.
Key Skill Certs:
SafePass/ Manual Handling: StagePass.
Event Management.
These courses may be available at low or no cost via FET training centres, you can search for these key Skill Certs via our FET CourseFinder
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: event management, logistics, distribution, sound engineering
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: sound engineering, music performance, event management, transport and logistics.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Transport and Logistics Apprenticeships.
Search for Apprenticeships
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Association of Irish Stage Technicians
The nature of the Music & Performing Arts sector is such that finding jobs will likely rely on networking within the music industry.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Band Roadie
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €51k
Income will vary greatly depending the scale of the tours and concerts worked on.
Data Source(s):
Input Youth/ Careersinmusic.com/ Indeed
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Band Roadie
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Artists; Authors; writers; translators; Actors; entertainers; presenters; Dancers; choreographers; Musicians Arts officers; producers; directors; Photographers; audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators; Graphic designers Product; clothing and related designers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.
New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Band Roadie
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Musicians' Union of Ireland
