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How to Become An Entertainment Manager

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What is a Entertainment Manager

An Entertainment Manager is the person who makes live events happen. They plan and run concerts, festivals, theatre shows, and corporate events. They handle booking, budgets, and event promotion.

This is a hands-on, fast-paced career. Entertainment Managers deal with artists, venues, crews, sponsors, and marketers on any given day. No two days are the same. That is what makes it so exciting for those who love the arts and work well under pressure.

Most Entertainment Managers in Australia work in arts and recreation, hospitality, or the event sector. Some manage a single venue like a concert hall or theatre; others run large touring shows across multiple states. There are also options in company events, theme parks, and the music industry.

This career suits creative, organised people with a head for business. If you love live events and want to make them happen, this could be the perfect path for you.

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Career Outlook for Entertainment Manager

An Entertainment Manager in Australia usually works in arts, hospitality, or the live events sector. Jobs and Skills Australia (2024) shows 2,200 Arts Administrators and Managers employed in Australia. Around 70% are women, and the median age is 45. Most work full-time, averaging 42 hours per week.

The career outlook is strong. Jobs and Skills Australia (2024) rates future demand for this role as strong. Growth is driven by rising interest in live events and cultural experiences across Australia. Average weekly pay is $2,746, showing the high skill level that employers look for. The number of people in this field is small but roles are well paid and stable.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

How to Become an Entertainment Manager

An Entertainment Manager plans, promotes, and runs live events across Australia. This career blends business skills with a passion for the arts. Here are the key steps to get there.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor Degree in Arts Management, Music, or Business

Complete a bachelor degree in arts management, music, or business. This takes 3 years full-time at a university or 4 years part-time. Courses cover events, marketing, finance, and arts policy. If you prefer a vocational route, a Diploma of Arts and Entertainment Management is also available. Complete this at a TAFE or RTO in about 1-2 years full-time. Confirm the current national code on training.gov.au before enrolling.

Step 2: Build Experience in Event Production or Arts Administration

Take on entry-level roles in events, arts admin, or venue management. These roles give you hands-on time with budgets, schedules, artists, and crews. Internships at festivals, theatres, or entertainment companies are a great way to build practical skills. They also help you make the industry contacts you will need later.

Step 3: Join the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)

Become a member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA). This is Australia’s peak union for arts and entertainment workers. MEAA gives you access to industry guidelines, training, and a network of skilled peers. Membership is open to people working in arts, entertainment, and media.

Step 4: Progress to a Coordinator or Assistant Manager Role

Move into a coordinator or assistant manager role at a venue, arts company, or events firm. This is where you apply your study and early experience on a bigger scale. Focus on leadership, deal-making, budget management, and building key industry links. Most Entertainment Managers reach a senior role after 3-5 years in the industry.

Step 5: Stay Current Through Professional Development and Industry Networks

Keep your skills sharp by attending events run by Live Performance Australia and Creative Australia. The entertainment sector changes quickly. Staying current on new trends, tools, and audience habits keeps you ahead. Consider postgraduate study in arts admin or business to move into senior or executive roles.

What does an Entertainment Manager do?

An Entertainment Manager is busy from the moment planning starts to the final curtain call. On a typical day, they might book a headlining act or review the marketing plan. They also check in with venue staff and solve last-minute logistics problems. They keep track of budgets, schedules, contracts, and crew all at once. During live events, they are on the floor making sure everything runs to plan. It is a high-energy role that rewards people who stay calm, think fast, and love making great events happen.

Tasks

An Entertainment Manager makes live events happen from first idea to final bow. They handle the creative, financial, and logistical sides of the job with equal skill. Here is what the day-to-day work looks like.

  • Event Planning – Plans and coordinates concerts, festivals, theatre shows, and corporate functions from start to finish.
  • Budget Management – Sets and tracks event budgets to keep costs under control without cutting quality.
  • Talent Coordination – Books and manages artists, performers, and speakers for each event.
  • Marketing and Promotion – Works with marketing teams to promote events and attract the right audiences.
  • Venue Management – Liaises with venue staff to make sure all technical and logistical needs are met.
  • Staff Supervision – Leads event staff, technical crews, and volunteers on the day.
  • Audience Engagement – Creates strategies to enhance the audience experience and gather feedback after events.
  • Compliance and Safety – Makes sure events meet all legal and safety standards to protect everyone involved.

Skills for Success

To thrive as an Entertainment Manager, you need both creative flair and solid business know-how. On the creative side, you will come up with event concepts, curate talent, and craft experiences that audiences love. On the business side, you will manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and market events to fill seats.

Good people skills are a must. You will work with artists, promoters, venue staff, and sponsors every day. Being calm under pressure and quick to solve problems will set you apart. This matters most when unexpected issues arise during a live event. The more experience you gain, the sharper these skills become.

Skills & Attributes

  • Event planning and coordination
  • Budget management and financial oversight
  • Contract negotiation
  • Talent and artist management
  • Marketing and audience development
  • Leadership and team management
  • Problem-solving under pressure
  • Venue and logistics coordination
  • Risk assessment and safety compliance
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Digital marketing and social media literacy
  • Strong oral and written communication

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for an Entertainment Manager in Australia is around $95,000 (ERI SalaryExpert, 2026). Entry-level roles pay about $68,000 per year. Senior managers with many years of experience can earn over $107,000 per year.

min $68 K

max $107 K

av $95 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.