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Entertainment Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Image Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Valencia, CA

$77K - $104K/yr

Our competitive advantage lies in our ability to design bespoke solutions to complex entertainment-based projects. Our engineering team works within tight timelines and exacting constraints to bring ...

Image Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Valencia, CA · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

Our competitive advantage lies in our ability to design bespoke solutions to complex entertainment-based projects. Our engineering team works within tight timelines and exacting constraints to bring ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEntertainment Design JobsEntertainment Design Jobs in California

Entertainment Design information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do entertainment design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entertainment design in California is $112,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in entertainment design, and how can they be overcome?

Entertainment Designers often face tight deadlines, evolving client expectations, and the need to balance creative vision with practical constraints like budget and safety regulations. To overcome these challenges, strong communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams—including directors, engineers, and fabricators—are essential. Staying adaptable, regularly updating technical skills, and being open to feedback can help designers produce innovative work that meets both aesthetic and logistical requirements. Building a strong portfolio and networking within the industry also supports long-term career growth.

What is the difference between Entertainment Design vs Scenic Design?

AspectEntertainment DesignScenic Design
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in entertainment design, theater, or related fieldsRequires a degree in theater, fine arts, or scenic design
Work EnvironmentWorks on theme parks, concerts, live shows, and entertainment venuesWorks on theater productions, film sets, and stage environments
Industry UsageCommon in entertainment industry, including theme parks and live eventsPrimarily used in theater, film, and television production

Entertainment Design focuses on creating immersive experiences for live entertainment venues and theme parks, combining storytelling with technical design. Scenic Design, on the other hand, concentrates on designing physical sets for theater, film, and television. While both roles involve visual storytelling and set creation, Entertainment Design emphasizes interactive and large-scale environments, whereas Scenic Design is more focused on stage and set aesthetics for performances.

What is entertainment design?

Entertainment design is the process of creating visual and conceptual elements for various forms of entertainment, such as movies, video games, theme parks, live shows, and television. This field combines art, storytelling, and technology to design immersive environments, characters, props, and experiences that captivate audiences. Entertainment designers work closely with directors, producers, and other creative professionals to bring imaginative worlds to life. Careers in entertainment design can include roles like concept artist, set designer, or theme park designer.

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

To thrive as an Entertainment Designer, you need strong visual storytelling abilities, proficiency in design principles, and typically a degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling tools, and sometimes experience with animation platforms is important. Creativity, collaboration, and strong communication skills help you excel in team settings and translate concepts into engaging experiences. These skills ensure compelling and immersive designs that effectively engage audiences and meet project objectives in a fast-paced industry.
What are popular job titles related to Entertainment Design jobs in California? For Entertainment Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entertainment Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entertainment Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entertainment Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Entertainment Design job openings:
Entertainment Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entertainment Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,992 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Architect (Themed Entertainment and Attraction Design)

Cuningham

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$72K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Cuningham designs places that don't just impress - they resonate. We believe architecture at its best is invisible storytelling, where structure, light, and materiality combine to pull people into a world they didn't know they needed. Our themed entertainment and attraction design practice is built on that conviction, and we're looking for a talented, licensed Architect who shares it.

This is a role for someone who has done this work and wants to go deeper. You'll own real pieces of complex, multi-phase projects, solving hard technical problems without ever losing sight of the guest experience. From early massing and site studies through detailed documentation and construction administration, your contributions will shape environments that people travel across the world to visit.

Direct experience in themed entertainment, attraction design, or immersive environments is required.  

What you will do:
  • Develop design solutions across all project phases through an iterative, collaborative process - sketching, 2D/3D modeling, and computational methods - in alignment with project success metrics, and applying regenerative approaches to the built, social, and natural environments.
  • Develop and document projects through both creative design and technical detailing, including exterior massing, site studies, and interior space planning/programming in coordination with Landscape Architecture and Interior Design.
  • Research and build proficiency in exterior materials and products, wall assemblies, waterproofing, and vertical circulation.
  • Plan, develop, and participate in design presentations.
  • Coordinate BIM models, documentation, and specifications internally and with consultants, contractors, and other disciplines for the best design outcomes.
  • Participate in code review and construction administration activities alongside the Project Architect and on-site staff, including on-site observations and verifications.
  • Own quality of work within your assigned focus area of the project.
  • Proficiently use MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and Revit/BIM 360; build working familiarity with Rhino, Enscape, and Lumion.
What we look for:
  • 4-8 years of professional experience in architectural design
  • Direct experience in themed entertainment, attraction design, or immersive environments is required
  • Strong design sensibility paired with solid technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently advance assigned project scope
  • Experience with exterior envelope systems, wall assemblies, waterproofing, massing studies, and site coordination
  • Proficiency in Revit/BIM 360 and the ability to coordinate complex BIM models across disciplines
  • Collaborative working style with clear communication skills across disciplines, consultants, and clients
  • Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited program
  • Architectural licensure or active pursuit of licensure is required
$72,000 - $110,000 a year
Compensation provided is based on our national range which varies by work location and may also depend on accreditation, experience and responsibilities.  Our talent management team can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.
Compensation range updated 1/18/2026.
Benefits: Cuningham offers a variety of benefits to employees including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, 401k retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Why Cuningham? 

At Cuningham, we believe the best work happens when people are supported, challenged, and connected. Whether collaborating across teams, engaging with our communities, or shaping meaningful design solutions, we bring pragmatic creativity and disciplined execution to every project - and we support each other through it all. 

We nurture an equitable work environment where curiosity is celebrated, craft is valued, and growth is prioritized. Alongside a team that brings low-ego expertise and active leadership day-to-day, you'll work on complex, high-stakes projects that demand bold thinking and disciplined delivery.  

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Cuningham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values the strength diversity brings to the workplace when combined with equity and justice. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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