What event crew get paid, by role
UK event and festival day work in 2026 runs roughly: general / festival crew £100–£150 a day · stewards £90–£120 · litter & recycling crew £90–£130 · bar staff £100–£140 (or £13–£16 an hour on hourly venue shifts) · catering & food-truck crew £100–£150 · bell-tent crew £100–£160 · marquee crew £120–£200 · stagehands £120–£180 · drivers £120–£180 · lighting & AV £130–£220 · crew chiefs £150–£250 · event safety officers £180–£300 · site & production managers £200–£350. These are direct rates, agreed worker-to-company, with no agency margin on top.
Why the range exists
Within each role, the rate moves with experience, tickets (forklift, IPAF, first aid, personal licence), how far you'll travel, whether you can stay overnight, and how busy the weekend is. Glastonbury build week and a quiet midweek wedding pay differently for the same job. Confirmed references push you to the top of the rate band, because hirers ring the fullest profiles first.
Day rate vs hourly
Most festival and event build work is paid as a day rate. Bar and hospitality shifts at fixed venues are usually hourly - around £13–£16 an hour plus tips. Event bars often switch to a day rate for a full festival weekend. Always confirm whether a quote is per day or per hour before you commit.
Hiring? What it actually costs you
A traditional staffing agency adds 20–50% on top of the worker's rate. On CrewPool you agree the rate directly with the crew and we take no cut of their pay - you pay only a small fee to unlock a confirmed-available contact, then ring them. The same worker costs you less. See what it costs to hire event crew, or browse crew by city below.
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