How much does a set designer make?
a year · about $36 an hour
A typical set designer in the United States makes $75,240 a year, about $36 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read a script, talk with a director, then sketch or model a stage world, choosing props and checking the budget. They coordinate with lighting and sound crews and watch construction or installation, sometimes on evenings or weekends.
Did you know? Some set designers build tiny sets—not just full-size scenery—for film backgrounds and special effects.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $41,750 and $135,410How do you become one?
In the US, most prepare with a bachelor’s in theater or exhibit design, or a related field; some employers prefer a master’s. BLS lists no related experience or on-the-job training as typical, and does not specify a standard starting age.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like creating and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can differ with experience, location, and whether a designer works for film/video, theater, or exhibits; some employers prefer more advanced education. Many designers freelance by project, and long or irregular hours can also affect earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($105,030), lowest in Arkansas ($38,700).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $41,750 | $75,240 | $135,410 | about 11,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $105,030 | about 3,000 |
| Maryland | $80,540 | about 420 |
| Washington | $77,230 | about 170 |
| District of Columbia | $76,900 | about 190 |
| New Jersey | $76,380 | about 220 |
Official definition: Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/set-and-exhibit-designers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-1027.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY