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Production Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kith

Production Design Specialist

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Production Design Specialist supports the design execution of Kith's retail installations, pop-ups, brand activations, and experiential projects. Reporting to and working under the direction of ...

Garver

CAD Production & Design Leader

Harlingen, TX · On-site

The Production & Design Leader will also be responsible for leading the production of 3D models and maintaining Civil3D/BIM/MicroStation standards for Garver's Water Infrastructure Design Center. The ...

Garver

CAD Production & Design Leader

Harlingen, TX · On-site

The Production amp; Design Leader will also be responsible for leading the production of 3D models and maintaining Civil3D/BIM/MicroStation standards for Garver's Water Infrastructure Design Center.

Socket.dev

Design Production Manager

Framingham, MA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Excellent production design judgment with close attention to detail, accuracy, quality, accessibility, and brand consistency. * Ability to balance hands‑on execution with team leadership, resource ...

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Production Design information

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$14

$35

$66

How much do production design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for production design in the United States is $35.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $49.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is production design?

Production design refers to the process of creating the overall visual look and feel of a film, television show, theater production, or other media project. The production designer collaborates with the director, cinematographer, and other departments to develop sets, locations, props, costumes, and color schemes that support the story and evoke the desired atmosphere. Their work is essential in visually communicating the narrative and helping audiences immerse themselves in the world of the production.

How does a production designer typically collaborate with directors and other departments during a film or television project?

Production Designers work closely with directors to establish the visual tone and style of a project, translating the script’s narrative into physical environments. They regularly coordinate with departments such as art, construction, costume, lighting, and props to ensure visual consistency and creative alignment. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the Production Designer oversees the set design process, manages budgets, and ensures that all visual elements support the director’s vision while adhering to project constraints.

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

To thrive as a Production Designer, you need a strong background in art direction, spatial design, and visual storytelling, usually supported by a degree in design, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and CAD systems, as well as experience in set construction and budgeting, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, strong communication, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for developing and executing compelling visual concepts with diverse teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the visual coherence and overall impact of film, television, theater, or advertising productions.

What is the difference between Production Design vs Set Designer?

AspectProduction DesignSet Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall visual concept, including sets, costumes, and propsFocuses primarily on designing and building specific sets
CredentialsOften requires a degree in design, theater, or related field; experience in productionTypically has a background in architecture, design, or theater set construction
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with directors, art directors, and production teamsWorks closely with art directors and construction teams on set creation

Production Design involves managing the entire visual aesthetic of a production, while Set Designers focus specifically on designing individual sets. Both roles require creative skills and industry experience, but Production Designers have broader responsibilities overseeing the overall look.

Do production designers get paid well?

Production designers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. In the entertainment and media industries, salaries can range from entry-level to six figures for experienced professionals working on major projects. Skills in design software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

How hard is it to become a production designer?

Becoming a production designer typically requires a combination of education in design or related fields, extensive experience in film, television, or theater production, and strong skills in visual storytelling, set design, and project management. Gaining proficiency with design software and building a professional portfolio are also important steps in the process.

What can you do with a production design degree?

A production design degree prepares individuals to work as production designers in film, television, theater, or advertising, where they create visual concepts and oversee the design of sets, props, and environments. Graduates often collaborate with directors, art directors, and technical teams, using tools like CAD software and understanding set construction, to bring creative visions to life. The role typically requires strong artistic skills, knowledge of materials, and the ability to manage budgets and schedules.

What does a production designer do?

A production designer is responsible for creating the visual concept of a film, television show, or theater production. They design and oversee the construction of sets, select locations, and work with art directors and costume designers to establish the overall look and feel of the production environment. Strong skills in art, design, and project management are essential for this role.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Production Design jobs?

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What states have the most Production Design jobs?

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Production Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,691 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Chair, Production Design

SCAD - Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

As chair of production design, you will lead a dynamic faculty of accomplished professionals whose credits span film, television, Broadway, opera, commercial production, and live entertainment. United by a passion for visual storytelling, these artists bring exceptional expertise in set design, art direction, lighting, and costume design-empowering the next generation of creators to bring their unique visions to life. Your team will fulfill the university's mission and develop a strategic plan that aligns with its overall strategy to enhance the quality of the production design department. You will promote a shared vision among faculty, foster a respectful and collaborative environment, and build a cohesive team through regular communication. Responsibilities include academic schedule oversight, teaching resources coordination, and the completion of annual faculty performance evaluations.
In this role, you will implement teaching expectations from the Faculty Handbook, exercise sound judgment, and consult relevant parties to provide steadfast support to the department in all accreditation matters. You will drive academic excellence, emphasize quality instruction and student achievement, and collaborate with the admission team to recruit talented students. In coordination with the dean, academic services, institutional effectiveness staff, and program leaders, you will guide faculty in curriculum development and assess student work for accreditation needs, consulting relevant parties to provide steadfast support. Responsibilities also include regular curriculum reviews to ensure quality and relevance based on educational outcomes, assessments, and accreditation activities.
In this position, you will make decisions about student course substitutions and exemptions, applications for independent study or internships, and waivers of prerequisites. You will also coordinate the review of high-quality graduate student applications. You will participate in recruitment trips to review, interview, and recommend candidates, conduct presentations, and submit anticipated headcounts. In all decision-making capacities, you will exercise sound judgment.
In assigned classes, you will guide students as they master production design and prepare for immersive careers in entertainment, from film and television, theater, live performances, and more. Responsibilities include collaboration with the institutional recognition office to submit student work to competitions and showcase outstanding work and coordination with the office of career and alumni success to assist with career and internship opportunities.
Among other duties, you will establish new partnerships with professional academic organizations, anticipate trends to propose strategies for implementing academic programs, and address issues as needed. Additionally, you will prepare ad hoc reports, monitor departmental data for efficiency, and evaluate and approve purchase and travel requests per the departmental budget.
The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to effectively turn strategic visions into measurable actions. The candidate should have strong organizational, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills. They are an innovative and energetic individual with a dedication to personal and professional integrity. Additionally, they possess exceptional attention to detail and a robust work ethic to meet expectations and deadlines. The candidate exercises excellent judgment in making hiring recommendations and academic interest decisions.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Terminal degree in production design, costume design, scenic design, or a related discipline
  • Notable career as a production design professional and/or faculty member
  • Demonstrated excellence in leadership and innovation

Travel required:
  • Less than 10%

Required application documents:
  • Current résumé and/or CV
  • Cover letter
  • Portfolio or its equivalent
  • Unofficial academic transcripts

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:
  • Academic and professional credentials to teach production design

Special instructions to applicants: Only complete packages will be considered. An unofficial transcript of your highest degree awarded, a cover letter, and a résumé or CV are required.
Work hours: As noted in the Employment Agreement.
ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.

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