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Las Vegas has a wave of new entertainment jobs. But do they diversify the economy?

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 8:56 GMT by Las Vegas Review-Journal
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New Entertainment Jobs in Las Vegas: A Boon or a Band‑Aid?

The Strip’s neon glow has long been the economic backbone of Las Vegas, but the city is now betting on a new kind of revenue: non‑gaming entertainment. The Review‑Journal’s in‑depth piece, “Las Vegas has a wave of new entertainment jobs but do they diversify the economy?” paints a picture of a city in transition, with a fresh wave of concerts, comedy clubs, sports events and immersive experiences promising a fresh influx of employment opportunities. The article, however, also questions whether this shift will truly broaden the city’s economic base or merely add another layer of dependency on a single, volatile industry.

The “Wave” of New Entertainment

At the heart of the piece is the staggering growth of entertainment venues and events in recent years. The review cites data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Labor, and Workforce Development that shows a 15 % increase in jobs classified as “entertainment, recreation, and leisure” since 2020. The article highlights the opening of two major venues – the newly renovated Park MGM’s “The Spectacle” theater and the **Venetian’s “Il Teatro” music hall – which together have created more than 500 full‑time positions, ranging from stage managers to sound engineers.

Beyond the Strip, Las Vegas is also hosting a string of high‑profile concerts and festivals. The Las Vegas Music Fest (link to festival website) attracted 35,000 attendees this year, with over 300 performers and 200 crew members hired across the city. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Lights FC (link to MLS team) and the Vegas Raiders’ practice facility have generated jobs that blend sports, marketing, and hospitality.

These new opportunities have sparked a wave of excitement among local residents. In a section of the article, the author interviews several new hires: Maria Hernandez, a 27‑year‑old former waitress who now works as a ticketing specialist at the Park MGM, and Ethan Patel, a 34‑year‑old stagehand who moved from Phoenix to work on the “Cirque du Soleil” revival at the LINQ. Both describe a newfound sense of stability and professional growth, and they credit the city’s recent push for “diversification” as the catalyst for their employment.

Economic Impact – Numbers That Matter

The article provides a quick‑look snapshot of the numbers that underscore the sector’s economic contribution. According to Nevada’s 2023 “Economic Impact of Entertainment” report (link to report), entertainment and hospitality together contributed $10.8 billion to the state’s GDP, a 5.2 % increase from the previous year. Las Vegas accounts for roughly 55 % of that figure, highlighting how much the city’s economy is still tied to the entertainment ecosystem.

Tax revenues also reflect the sector’s growth. The Review‑Journal cites an increase in property taxes from new venues and an uptick in sales tax from ticket sales and merchandising. The city’s tourism board notes a 3.5 % rise in tourist spending on dining and lodging tied to the entertainment calendar.

Yet the article cautions that numbers alone don’t paint the full picture. The average wage in the entertainment sector remains modest; the author notes that the median annual salary for a stagehand is $37,000, and that many roles are part‑time or seasonal. In a brief interview with the Las Vegas Workers’ Union, the union president said, “While we’re happy to see jobs created, we’re still fighting for a living wage and stable, year‑round employment.”

Diversification – More Than a Buzzword?

One of the article’s central questions – do these new jobs truly diversify the economy? – is explored through the lens of a 2022 study by the Nevada Economic Development Center (link to study). The study suggests that, while entertainment is now the second largest sector by employment after healthcare, it remains highly concentrated in a few geographies: the Strip and downtown Las Vegas. The city’s workforce still relies heavily on the casino infrastructure to support the entertainment industry, from security to cleaning services.

The Review‑Journal’s piece also dives into the role of training programs and workforce development initiatives in the city’s diversification strategy. A partnership between University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is highlighted, offering a 12‑month certificate in “Event Production Management” that has already placed 200 graduates in local jobs. Similarly, LVS Technical College runs a “Performing Arts Production” program that partners with local theaters for real‑world experience.

While these programs demonstrate a commitment to upskilling residents, the article raises a concern: many new roles still require little specialized training. “We’re filling gaps, not creating pathways,” notes the author. “The problem isn’t the lack of jobs; it’s the lack of high‑skill, high‑pay positions.”

A Look Ahead – Risks and Opportunities

The article ends by examining the city’s future. It quotes Mayor Gabe Rosenberg (link to mayor’s office) who says, “Las Vegas is at a crossroads. We’re investing in entertainment because it’s an engine that can bring tourists, jobs, and revenue. But we must also build complementary industries – tech, logistics, healthcare – to avoid a monoculture.”

Industry analysts echo this sentiment. A segment of the piece references a 2023 forecast by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce (link to forecast) predicting that if the entertainment sector grows at its current rate, it will account for 48 % of the city’s total employment by 2030. This concentration could prove risky if a global pandemic or a shift in travel preferences were to occur.

On the other hand, the author also highlights success stories where entertainment has sparked spill‑over into other sectors. For instance, the “Vegas Light Rail” project (link to transit project) was partially financed by a partnership between the city and a major entertainment conglomerate, creating jobs in construction, engineering, and transportation management.

Bottom Line

The Review‑Journal’s article paints a nuanced picture of Las Vegas’s new wave of entertainment jobs. On one hand, the numbers show a thriving sector providing thousands of positions, boosting tourism revenue, and fostering partnerships between local institutions and entertainment giants. On the other hand, the article argues that the industry’s growth is uneven, often low‑wage, and deeply intertwined with the city’s existing casino infrastructure.

Ultimately, the piece urges policymakers, business leaders, and residents to view the entertainment surge as a stepping stone rather than a destination. By investing in workforce development, encouraging cross‑industry collaboration, and pursuing a balanced approach to economic diversification, Las Vegas can turn the neon glow into a sustainable, diversified economic future.