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The Global Insight

How much do roadies for big bands make?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on March 24, 2026

On average, Roadies earn approximately $34,200 annually. The salary range for Roadies runs from $23,000 to $51,000. Since Road Crew are freelance workers, they determine their own rates.

Do roadies get laid?

Where do roadies sleep? They sleep on a bus in very tight quarters in things they call “coffins” (see photo below) with about 11 other people. Roadies are the ones responsible for getting into the venue early to set-up the stage, load in band equipment, hang the lights and do “everything” to make the show happen.

Where do roadies sleep?

What do roadies do for a band?

The road crew (or roadies) are the technicians or support personnel who travel with a band on tour, usually in sleeper buses, and handle every part of the concert productions except actually performing the music with the musicians.

Is driving for roadie worth it?

“Roadie is designed as a “if your going that way” type of gigs but that’s really only towards personal deliveries. Now they have contracts with Home Depot and Walmart in some states. And the pay isn’t bad if you’re close to the gig, but if you have to drive far to the pick up, it’s not worth it.

What qualifications do you need to be a roadie?

There are no set entry qualifications for roadies. It may be an advantage to have some experience in electronics, sound production, music technology or lighting. Taking a theatre course in stage management, stage lighting and sound engineering may also help roadies who want to specialise.

Who was the most famous groupie?

Most Famous Groupies of All Time

  • Nancy Spungen. Most people know Nancy Spungen as the ill-fated girlfriend of punk rock legend, Sid Vicious.
  • Connie Hamzy.
  • Cleo Odzer.
  • Cherry Vanilla.
  • Audrey Hamilton.
  • Lori Maddox.
  • Pamela Des Barres.
  • Bebe Buell.

What is a roadie drink?

According to the Urban Dictionary, one of the more common definitions is that of “an individual who is responsible for setting up, tearing down, and generally maintaining the equipment for a band.” Another definition of roadie is “an alcoholic beverage consumed while driving.

What is the age limit for roadies?

MTV Roadies is a youth-based popular reality television show on MTV India. It is an Indian version of the original show, Road Rules (1995). Roadies audition 2017 will start for season X5 from November 27,2016. Entrants should be 18+ years of age and Indian nationals, participating at their own risk.

Do opening acts get paid?

“They’re lucky to get paid much of anything.” If a star makes $250,000 a night, then an opening act might get $1,000. When Glick was tour manager for the Vans Warped Tour, about 90 of the bands made $250 per show, he said.

Where can I find a job as a roadie?

Your network is a great place to find gigs, but the Internet is also a fantastic resource. You can often find roadie jobs on websites for bands, theater shows, production companies, or other touring shows.

How did you become a band roadie?

Most members of a band’s Road Crew started out touring with bands they personally knew and who needed assistance on the road. Others got their start working as Stagehands at a live music venue before landing a tour job. “Now after that, there’s really no career trajectory,” Reynolds advises.

How many hours does a roadie work in a day?

Most roadies work 16- to 20-hour days. Waking up early and going to sleep late is part of the job description, as Meg MacRae, a production coordinator who’s been on the road with Bon Jovi and the Eagles, attests. A typical day for her starts with a 6 a.m. bus pickup, after which she sets up a temporary production office at the venue.

What kind of life does a roadie have?

The life of a roadie can be a blur. Traveling with a band and working late nights at events is a demanding gig. For many it’s a life long fantasy, but it’s far from your typical 9 to 5 job. Roadies are the first to show up and the last to leave the venue, which makes for odd hours. Roadies sleep on the road and live out of a tour bus.