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Assistant Scenic Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Assist graduate student designers to determine best materials and methods to execute designs ... High School Diploma or equivalent Required Experience: 3+ years experience as a scenic artist in ...

Scenic Artist

New York, NY · On-site

$38.10/hr

... Assist graduate student designers to determine best materials and methods to execute designs ... High School Diploma or equivalent Required Experience: 3+ years experience as a scenic artist in ...

Scenic Painter

Orlando, FL · Remote

$20 - $26/hr

Apply base coats and standard finishes to scenic elements with consistency and quality. * Assist Scenic Artists with faux finishes such as woodgrains, simple textures, and gradients. * Mix paints ...

JOB DUTIES * Assist the Charge Scenic Artist in painting/finishing of scenery as specified in the design. * Assist in the daily maintenance and clean-up of the shop and paint areas. * Be an active ...

JOB DUTIES * Assist the Charge Scenic Artist in painting/finishing of scenery as specified in the design. * Assist in the daily maintenance and clean-up of the shop and paint areas. * Be an active ...

What you get to do: * Assist with the fabrication, installation/strike and maintenance/repair of various signage and graphics, props, set pieces and decor * Assist with material inventory process

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... or assistant scenic technician * Exceptional creativity, imagination, and artistic ability * Strong visualization skills and attention to detail * Ability to work independently and with a team

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Assistant Scenic Artist information

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$10

$67

$125

How much do assistant scenic artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant scenic artist in the United States is $67.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $92.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Scenic Artist, you need strong artistic abilities, knowledge of painting techniques, and a background in fine arts or theatrical design. Familiarity with scenic painting tools, color mixing, and industry-standard materials is essential, and experience with CAD or Photoshop can be beneficial. Attention to detail, adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating on creative projects. These competencies ensure that scenic elements are produced accurately, efficiently, and to the director's artistic vision, contributing to the overall success of stage or screen productions.

What are Assistant Scenic Artists?

Assistant Scenic Artists are professionals who support the design and creation of scenery for theater, film, television, or live events. They work under the guidance of lead scenic artists or set designers to paint, texture, and finish sets and backdrops according to artistic specifications. Their duties often include mixing paints, applying special finishes, replicating textures, and helping with set installation. Assistant Scenic Artists play a crucial role in bringing the visual elements of a production to life, ensuring that sets look realistic and match the intended design.

What is the difference between Assistant Scenic Artist vs Scenic Artist?

AspectAssistant Scenic ArtistScenic Artist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or apprenticeship in scenic painting
Work EnvironmentAssist in painting and preparing scenery under supervision, often on film, theater, or TV setsLead or independent painter responsible for creating detailed scenic backgrounds and finishes
ResponsibilitiesSupport scenic artists, prep materials, and perform basic painting tasksDesign, execute, and oversee scenic painting projects, ensuring quality and accuracy

The Assistant Scenic Artist typically supports scenic artists by performing preparatory and basic painting tasks, while the Scenic Artist takes on more complex, creative, and supervisory roles in scenic painting projects. Both roles are essential in the scenic construction process within the entertainment industry.

How does an Assistant Scenic Artist typically collaborate with other members of the production team during a project?

Assistant Scenic Artists work closely with scenic designers, lead scenic artists, and carpenters to bring set designs to life. They frequently attend production meetings to understand design intent and coordinate their work with construction schedules. On a daily basis, they communicate with other departments to ensure paint, textures, and finishes align with lighting and stage requirements. This collaborative environment often requires flexibility, quick problem-solving, and the ability to interpret detailed design drawings.
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What cities are hiring for Assistant Scenic Artist jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Scenic Artist job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Assistant Scenic Artist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Scenic Artist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Scenic Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.
Scenic Artist

$38.10/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


New York University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Perform all aspects of traditional and contemporary scenic art for a multi-production theatrical and dance season. Assist graduate student designers to determine best materials and methods to execute designs successfully within available labor and schedule paraments. Ensure security of facilities and equipment and instruct students, faculty, and staff on proper use of equipment and tools. Perform routine maintenance, maintain inventory and records of production paint processes.
Required Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Required Experience:
3+ years experience as a scenic artist in the theater.
Preferred Experience:
3+ years experience in leading the work of scenic paint production crews.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to handle all aspects of traditional and contemporary scenic art work (layout, pounce, lay in, lining, detail sign painting, lettering, faux finishing, texturing, carving, and other finish work). Able to climb stairs, work from ladders, material lifts, scaffolds and stand on feet for long periods of time. Knowledge of painting media (dry colors, latex casein, aniline dyes, etc). Ability to collaborate with staff, guest designers, and other professionals. Ability to meet deadlines and follow schedules and instructions. Knowledge of job-related health and safety issues to identify potential hazards.
In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the hourly rate for this position is USD $38.100. This rate is based on bargaining unit contracts. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, clinical compensation, or other items.
NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/nyugreen.
NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply at all levels.

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About New York University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since its founding in 1831, NYU has been an innovator in higher education, reaching out to an emerging middle class, embracing an urban identity and professional focus, and promoting a global vision that informs its 20 schools and colleges. Today, that trailblazing spirit makes NYU one of the most prominent and respected research universities in the world, featuring top-ranked academic programs and accepting fewer than one in eight undergraduates. Anchored in New York City and with degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai as well as 12 study away sites throughout the world, NYU is a leader in global education, with more international students and more students studying abroad than any other US university.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1831