The party operator’s guide to crew and staffing
- How much should I pay party crew?Above local fast-food wage, below skilled trade, with a per-event floor. Most operators land between 15 and 25 dollars an hour depending on market, with the lead earning more.
- Should crew be employees or contractors (1099 vs W-2)?If you set the schedule, provide the gear, and direct the work, the IRS usually sees an employee. Misclassification is one of the few mistakes in this business that compounds retroactively.