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Assistant Set Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Set Designer , you'll transform creative concepts into visually compelling environments that ... Assistants throughout each shoot. Coordinate with production schedules to ensure sets are completed ...

About SET Active SET creates athleisure designed for what's next. Founded on the belief that style ... Position Overview Set Active is looking for a Design Assistant to support our Production Department.

New

Design Assistant

Beverly Hills, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $36/hr

About SET Active SET creates athleisure designed for what's next. Founded on the belief that style ... Position Overview Set Active is looking for a Design Assistant to support our Production Department.

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Assistant Set Designer information

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How much do assistant set designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant set designer in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by assistant set designers during the pre-production phase?

Assistant Set Designers often juggle multiple tasks during pre-production, such as translating the lead designer's vision into practical drafts, sourcing materials within budget constraints, and coordinating with construction teams. Time management can be a challenge, as deadlines are tight and changes from directors or production designers are common. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, since the role requires collaborating with various departments while ensuring that all set elements meet both creative and safety standards.

What does an assistant set designer do?

As an assistant set designer, your job is to help design the set for a film, television program, or theatre production. In this role, you may participate in each rehearsal, select art that fits the production, determine when to add or remove material from the stage, and otherwise help to keep things moving. The most important part of this job is selecting and acquiring set pieces on time and within the production budget. Assistant set designers usually work under one or more directors, such as the art director or production designer. You often see this job under a variety of titles, such as assistant art director or production assistant, so be sure to look at the content of each job post instead of just the title.

What is the difference between Assistant Set Designer vs Set Designer?

AspectAssistant Set DesignerSet Designer
CredentialsRelevant education in theater, design, or architecture; often entry-levelAdvanced experience, portfolio, and sometimes certifications in design
Work EnvironmentAssist in creating and building set designs under supervisionLead the design process, make creative decisions, and oversee construction
Industry UsageCommonly employed in theater, film, and TV production teamsPrimarily responsible for the overall set design in productions

The Assistant Set Designer supports the Set Designer by handling preparatory tasks and assisting with design elements. While the Assistant Set Designer focuses on supporting roles, the Set Designer takes the lead in creating and executing the overall set concept. Both roles are essential in production, with the assistant gaining experience to eventually become a full Set Designer.

What is an assistant set designer?

Assistant Set Designers are creative professionals who support the lead set designer in developing and executing the visual appearance of a stage, film, or television production. Their responsibilities typically include creating sketches, building models, sourcing materials, and coordinating with other departments to ensure the set aligns with the director's vision. They often assist with budgeting, scheduling, and logistical tasks to help bring the set from concept to reality. This role requires strong artistic skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well within a team in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant set designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Set Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, familiarity with stagecraft, and usually a degree in theater, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is commonly required, along with knowledge of model building and drafting techniques. Excellent organization, teamwork, and communication skills help coordinate with designers, directors, and production crews. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the seamless creation and execution of set designs that support the overall vision of a production.
What cities are hiring for Assistant Set Designer jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Set Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Set Designer jobs? The most popular types of Set Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Set Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Set Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Set Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,223 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Set Designer

HIGHSCALE

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About High Scale
We're High Scale - a future-focused, data-obsessed agency revolutionizing video advertising on TV and social media. Think Amazon's obsession with customer experience meets SpaceX's fearless ambition-that's the DNA behind everything we do.
Our 120-person team of creatives, strategists, and innovators produces thousands of high-impact campaigns weekly for the world's leading lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and DTC brands. With 50,000 sq. ft. of DTLA studios and a global influencer network, we're redefining how performance marketing and creative production come together to help brands grow.
We move fast, think creatively, and believe that every detail matters. From a thoughtfully styled living room to a striking product display, our sets play a critical role in bringing stories to life. If you're passionate about design, love transforming concepts into immersive environments, and enjoy working in a collaborative, high-energy production environment, you'll thrive at High Scale.
Why This Role Matters
The right set doesn't just create a beautiful background-it creates an experience.
As a Set Designer, you'll transform creative concepts into visually compelling environments that elevate our productions and strengthen our clients' brands. Every wall, prop, color palette, and furniture choice contributes to the story we're telling and influences how audiences connect with the content.
Working closely with Producers, Creative Strategists, Directors, Cinematographers, and Art Department teams, you'll design and build sets that are visually impactful, production-friendly, and optimized for commercial advertising across television and social media.
Whether it's a luxury beauty campaign, a cozy home setting, a modern kitchen, or a bold lifestyle concept, your creativity and attention to detail will help produce content that captures attention and drives results.
What You'll Do
Design Creative Set Concepts
Translate creative briefs into visually engaging set designs that align with each brand's identity.
Develop mood boards, color palettes, layouts, and styling concepts for commercial productions.
Collaborate with creative teams to ensure every set enhances the intended story and marketing objective.
Present design concepts and recommendations during pre-production planning.
Build & Style Production Sets
Source furniture, props, dรฉcor, and materials that bring creative concepts to life.
Prepare, assemble, and style sets for studio and on-location productions.
Ensure every set is camera-ready and visually polished before filming begins.
Adapt set designs quickly to accommodate production changes and creative feedback.
Collaborate Across Production Teams
Work closely with Producers, Directors, Gaffers, Cinematographers, Stylists, and Production Assistants throughout each shoot.
Coordinate with production schedules to ensure sets are completed on time.
Support efficient transitions between multiple productions while maintaining exceptional quality.
Manage Set Inventory & Resources
Maintain an organized inventory of furniture, props, dรฉcor, and production materials.
Research and source new design elements that expand the studio's creative capabilities.
Monitor budgets while making thoughtful purchasing recommendations.
Ensure studio spaces remain organized, functional, and production-ready.
Drive Creative Innovation
Stay current with design trends across interiors, retail, fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and social media content.
Continuously introduce fresh visual ideas that elevate production quality.
Identify opportunities to improve workflows, maximize reusable assets, and increase production efficiency.
Who You Are
Experienced Set Designer
3+ years of experience in Set Design, Production Design, Visual Merchandising, Interior Styling, Event Design, or a related creative field.
Experience designing sets for commercial advertising, television, digital media, photography, or branded content is highly preferred.
A strong portfolio showcasing a range of creative environments is required.
Strong Design Eye
You have an exceptional understanding of composition, color theory, spatial design, textures, and visual storytelling.
You know how to create environments that look incredible both in person and through the camera lens.
You understand how lighting, camera angles, and product placement influence design decisions.
Creative Problem Solver
You enjoy transforming ideas into reality while balancing creativity, practicality, timelines, and budgets.
You're resourceful and can create premium-looking environments using both custom-built and sourced materials.
You adapt quickly when creative direction evolves during production.
Highly Organized
You can manage multiple projects, production timelines, and design assets simultaneously.
You maintain organized inventories, documentation, and design resources.
You're proactive in anticipating production needs and ensuring everything is prepared before shoot day.
Thrives in a Fast-Paced Studio Environment
You enjoy collaborative creative work where every day presents a new challenge.
You take ownership of your projects, contribute ideas freely, and are always looking for ways to raise the visual standard of every production.
You believe great design isn't finished until every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
Perks & Benefits
Design Sets Seen by Millions
Bring creative concepts to life for leading lifestyle, beauty, fashion, wellness, and DTC brands across TV and social media.
Work in a World-Class Studio
Create within our 50,000 sq. ft. production facility alongside talented creatives, producers, cinematographers, and designers.
Creative Freedom & Variety
Every project presents a new opportunity to design unique environments across a wide range of industries and brand aesthetics.
Career Growth
Expand your expertise in production design, art direction, creative strategy, and commercial content creation as High Scale continues to grow.
A Culture Built Around Creativity
Join a collaborative team that values craftsmanship, innovation, curiosity, and people who are excited to push creative boundaries.
High Scale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity because exceptional creativity is fueled by different perspectives, experiences, and ideas. If you're passionate about designing environments that inspire, captivate, and tell unforgettable stories, we'd love to hear from you.
Department Production Locations Los Angeles HQ