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How much do assistant professor scenic design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor scenic design in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Assistant Professors of Scenic Design?

Assistant Professors of Scenic Design are entry-level faculty members at colleges or universities who specialize in teaching and researching scenic design for theater, film, or television. Their responsibilities often include instructing students in the fundamentals and techniques of set and stage design, mentoring student projects, contributing to departmental productions, and engaging in creative or scholarly research. They may also participate in service activities, such as committee work and curriculum development, while working toward tenure. Their role is essential for preparing students for professional careers in the performing arts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Professor of Scenic Design, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Scenic Design, you need a strong background in theatrical design, a relevant MFA or terminal degree, and professional experience in scenic design. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with stagecraft and model-building tools, is essential. Creativity, effective communication, and mentorship abilities are crucial soft skills for engaging students and collaborating with production teams. These competencies ensure high-quality instruction, foster student growth, and contribute to innovative stage productions within academic settings.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Scenic Design vs Assistant Professor Costume Design?

AspectAssistant Professor Scenic DesignAssistant Professor Costume Design
Required CredentialsMaster's or MFA in Scenic Design, teaching experienceMaster's or MFA in Costume Design, teaching experience
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, theater departmentsUniversities, colleges, theater departments
Industry UsageAcademic institutions, theater productionsAcademic institutions, theater productions
Common Search IntentCompare roles in scenic design educationCompare roles in costume design education

Assistant Professor Scenic Design and Assistant Professor Costume Design are similar academic roles within theater departments. Both require advanced degrees and involve teaching, research, and collaboration on productions. The main difference lies in their specialization: scenic design focuses on creating the visual environment of a production, while costume design centers on designing costumes. Both roles are essential in theater education and production, often overlapping in work environment and industry usage.

What are some typical collaborative projects an Assistant Professor of Scenic Design participates in within a university theater department?

As an Assistant Professor of Scenic Design, you will frequently collaborate with faculty, students, and production staff on department theater productions and classroom projects. This typically involves working closely with directors, costume designers, lighting designers, and student crews to conceptualize and realize scenic elements for stage performances. You may also mentor students through design studios or independent projects, guiding them through the design process from initial sketches to final set construction. Collaboration is integral, requiring clear communication and adaptability to ensure a successful production and educational experience.
More about Assistant Professor Scenic Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Professor Scenic Design jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Professor Scenic Design job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Professor Scenic Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Professor Scenic Design jobs include:
Assistant Professor of Theatre-Scenic Design

Assistant Professor of Theatre-Scenic Design

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Appalachian State University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

467th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Request to Recruit
Position Title
Assistant Professor of Theatre-Scenic Design
Tenure Status
Tenure Track
Provide Rank
Assistant Professor
Position Number
085501
VISA Sponsorship?
VISA sponsorship is available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.
Department
Theatre & Dance - 265350
Working Location (City, State)
Boone, NC
Position Summary Information
Minimum Qualifications
  • A terminal degree (MFA) in theatre design/technology with emphasis in scenic design.
  • University/college-level, theatre teaching/mentoring experience.
  • Professional experience in scenic design

Areas of Interest (No Minimum Level Required)
  • Additional experience in one or more of the following areas: sound, props, scenic design, scenic painting, lighting, projection, costume, arts management.
  • A passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.

License/Certification Required
N/A
Description of the Department or Unit
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the mission of the Department of Theatre and Dance is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region. For further information about the department, visit www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Teaching could include courses such as Scenery & Props, Scenic Painting, The Stage Environment, Stage Management, Dance Production Basics, or other beginning and intermediate design/tech courses in areas of specialization.
  • Mentoring student designers on departmental productions
  • Creative Activity/Scholarship will include providing design and technology support for dance and theatre productions as well as engaging in creative/scholarly pursuits.
  • Service will include participation on committees, recruitment activities, academic advising, etc.

Type of Position
Full Time Position
Appointment Type
1.0
Number Of Months Per Year
9 month
Physical Demands of Position
Typical physical demands of classroom, theatrical, and educational environments in a professional position at a university.
Posting Details Information
Proposed Date of Hire
08/03/2026
Suggested Salary Range
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
ABD Consideration:
ABD with reduction in rank and salary (see desc. below)
ABD Description
ABD with reduction in rank and salary: ABD will be considered for this position. Evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire. If confirmation of defense is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a new one-year fixed-term contract and be hired at the rank of Instructor. The candidate's salary will also be reduced to a lower rate commensurate with other full-time instructors in the same department. However, if degree verification is provided before the end of the one-year fixed-term contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.
No ABD consideration: Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position. Since ABD will not meet the minimum requirements, ABD will not be considered.
Special Instructions to Applicants
MFA degree must be awarded by June 15, 2026; ABD will be considered for this position, but evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31, 2026.
For a complete application, please apply and submit all below-required documents electronically through Appalachian State University's Job Board:
  • a cover letter that addresses qualifications,
  • current CV,
  • unofficial transcripts,
  • full contact information for three current references.

Examples of design/technology work will be requested at a later date.
Review of complete applications will begin the first week of February, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Contact search committee chair Derek Davidson at davidsondsappstate.edu with any questions.
Please note this position is based on enrollment and subject to available funding.
UNC System Code (Section 610(2)) Special Faculty Hires
The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.
Posting Date
01/23/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Evaluation of Applications Begins
02/23/2026
Search Chair Name
Derek Davidson
Search Chair Email
davidsonds@appstate.edu
Quick Link
https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/52707
Posting Number
FA00301P

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