Magician

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

The role

The work is learning and perfecting tricks, performing close-up or on stage, reading and working a crowd, and the business side of bookings and self-promotion. Showmanship, lots of practice and the confidence to perform under pressure matter, along with the people skills to engage all sorts of audiences and handle hecklers.

Most magicians are self-employed, working weekends, evenings and seasonal events, with income that swings with bookings and reputation and often starts as a side job. You provide your own props and costumes, travel to gigs, and building a name takes years of practice and performing wherever you can.

There are no qualifications - magicians learn through endless practice, watching others and joining magic circles or clubs. You will need public liability insurance for many venues, a polished act, and a steady stream of bookings built through word of mouth and social media.

Daily responsibilities

• Practise and perfect tricks and routines
• Perform close-up or stage magic
• Read and engage the audience
• Travel to and set up at venues
• Promote yourself and find bookings
• Liaise with clients and event hosts
• Maintain and update your props and act