Set Designer: Job Description & Salary
Learn about pursuing a career as a set designer. Read for additional information on job responsibilities and salary expectations, as well as education requirements.
Set Designers at a Glance
Set designers are tasked with designing the visual environments where film, television, and theater productions take place. The design choices they make must combine the objectives of the director, the mood and subtext called for by the story elements, and the functional needs of a production (such as lighting, camera equipment positioning, and staff mobility). Read on for an overview of this career.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree preferred, advanced degree could be helpful</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Theater design, architecture, fine arts, theater and related</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Skills</b> </td><td> Visual design, creative vision, attention to detail</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 9% (for all set and exhibit designers)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2021)</b> </td><td> $60,984**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); **PayScale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfEducationDoINeedToPursueACareerInThisField">What Kind of Education Do I Need to Pursue a Career in This Field?</h3><p>Though there are no specific education requirements for aspiring set designers, a bachelor's degree is generally preferred. The trend has also recently shifted towards a preference for candidates with advanced degrees. The profession involves a wide range of visual, design, and technical skills that could be covered in several areas of study, which is why working set designers have different educational backgrounds. Relevant majors include architecture, theater design, theater and fine arts.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoILandMyFirstJob">How Do I Land My First Job?</h3><p>Most set designers are not full-time employees, but pursue work as freelancers on short-term projects. This elevates the need to build a network in the field, as ongoing self-promotion in the search for new employment opportunities is a necessity. To stay connected in the field, it may be helpful to join a professional organization such as the Set Decorators Society of America and the Association for Performing Arts and Entertainment Professionals.
</p><h3 id="section---DoINeedToBeInAUnion">Do I Need to Be in a Union?</h3><p>Although union membership is not required to pursue a career in this field, you may be required to join one as part of an employment agreement. This is because some employers have signed collective bargaining agreements with unions representing set designers. Some of the unions in the field include the Art Directors Guild of America and United Scenic Artists.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoesADayInTheLifeOfASetDesignerLookLike">What Does a Day in the Life of a Set Designer Look Like?</h3><p>Because set designers must evoke certain moods with visual elements to complement the storyline of a production, they begin their process with a thorough review of the script with the director and other relevant staff-members. This portion of the work demands both visual design and textual analysis skills. Once a set plan is approved, set designers begin the physical construction of the space, bringing their background in one or several set construction skills (such as carpentry, sketching, architecture, and budgeting) to create the production environment before an agreed upon deadline. As the set comes to life, set designers must coordinate their efforts with staff-members involved in budgeting, scheduling, and logistics, creating the need for excellent interpersonal skills.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfIncomeShouldIExpectAndWhatIsTheOutlookForThisProfession">What Kind of Income Should I Expect and What Is the Outlook for This Profession?</h3><p>In 2021, <i>PayScale.com</i> estimated the median salary for set designers at $60,984 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides data for set designers within their set and exhibit designer category. They reported that the salary can vary depending on the industry. For instance, set designers in the motion picture and video industry had an estimated mean annual salary of $75,850 in 2020, but the estimate for those who work in the performing arts industry was slightly lower, with a mean annual salary of $56,500. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that set and exhibit designers would see an estimated career growth of 9% between 2020 and 2030.</p>