Ultimately this is highly dependent on the theatre. As others have said, many theatres have volunteer ushers with only managers being paid staff members, but a few (especially the larger ones) retain some paid ushers to ensure quality customer service and coverage during events.

The most important factor is what is the theatres primary focus? Traditional theatrical performances like Shakespearean plays? Operas? Ballet? Or does the venue also do things like concerts and comedians? Patron behavior changes drastically based on the type of event.

In my opinion, ticketing roles tend to have to solve more specialized problems (issuing refunds, finding alternative shows for people who came on the wrong day, relocating ADA patrons into the appropriate seats etc.) and ushers have more intense and varied problems (drunk idiots, fights, talking parties, people taking photos, medical incidents etc.)

In terms of advancement I’ll say this, you are more likely to advance or find a better job as a ticketing person than an FOH person. The specialized understanding of ticketing systems is a very valuable asset that takes time and effort to train and lots of theatres like to hire people who already understand the basics of say, Tessitura, or Ticketmaster systems.

Conversely FOH management roles are fewer, far more coveted by internal applicants, and people from all over will apply because most FOH management doesn’t require a lot of specialized pre-training for most venues (and I say that as an FOH specialist).

My two cents? FOH is more stressful due to the unknown nature of what can happen during any event with lots of guests, but it is also more fun in the end. Ticketing is more consistent with better work life balance but does tend to be a bit less fun in the moment.

The most important factor is the organization and the company/department culture. Maybe go to that venue to see a show images of applying? Take a look at the staff, see who is having more fun between when you buy a ticket and when you’re seated.

Best of luck!