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Prop Designer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

SAND HAULER

Henderson, CO · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Must be able to perform basic maintenance on trucks, trailers and Prop X boxes. Drives various ... This is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or ...

Prop Designer information

See Colorado salary details

$37.3K

$87.4K

$115.7K

How much do prop designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for prop designer in Colorado is $87,432.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $114,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prop Designer position, and why are they important?

Succeeding as a Prop Designer requires a strong background in art and design, creativity, and attention to detail, often backed by a degree in fine arts, industrial design, or a related field. Proficiency in digital illustration tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling software, and sometimes traditional sculpting or model-making is typically expected. Excellent communication, adaptability, and time management skills help a Prop Designer collaborate effectively and manage deadlines. These abilities ensure that props are both visually compelling and feasible for production, meeting creative and practical needs in fields like film, television, or theater.

Is prop making a good career?

Prop designing is a specialized field within the entertainment industry that involves creating physical objects for films, theater, or television. It requires skills in craftsmanship, materials, and often computer-aided design (CAD), with opportunities for freelance or full-time work. The career can be rewarding for those with creativity and technical ability, but job stability and pay vary based on experience and industry demand.

How much money does a Prop Designer make?

Prop Designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills in materials and fabrication.

What is the role of a Prop Designer?

A Prop Designer is responsible for creating and designing physical objects and accessories used in film, theater, or television productions to enhance storytelling. They collaborate with directors and set designers, often using tools like CAD software, to develop realistic or fantastical props that meet production specifications. Attention to detail, craftsmanship, and understanding of materials are essential skills for this role.

What does a Prop Designer do?

A Prop Designer is responsible for creating the visual design of props used in animated films, TV shows, or video games. They sketch, refine, and develop props that fit the overall style and storytelling of a project. Prop Designers collaborate with art directors, character designers, and set designers to ensure consistency and functionality. Their work helps bring depth and authenticity to a story’s environment, enhancing the visual appeal and immersion.

How do you become a Prop Designer?

To become a prop designer, individuals typically need a background in art, design, or a related field, along with strong skills in drawing, 3D modeling, and knowledge of materials. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in film, theater, or television production helps build a portfolio and industry connections. Proficiency with tools like Photoshop, SketchUp, or CAD software is often essential for success in this role.

What does a typical workflow look like for a Prop Designer, and how do they interact with other members of the production team?

A typical workflow for a Prop Designer involves interpreting scripts or creative briefs to conceptualize and illustrate props, followed by developing detailed drawings or 3D models for approval. Prop Designers work closely with art directors, costume designers, set builders, and sometimes fabricators to ensure their designs fit the overall aesthetic and practical requirements of the production. Throughout the process, they participate in meetings, revise designs based on feedback, and help solve any practical challenges that arise during construction or use on set. Regular collaboration and open communication are essential, as prop designers' work directly supports the visual storytelling and smooth operation of the project.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prop Designer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Prop Designer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Prop Designer jobs in Colorado? For Prop Designer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prop Designer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Prop Designer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Prop Designer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Prop Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Prop Designer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,432 per year, or $42 per hour.
Head of Properties

Head of Properties

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description
Position Summary

The Colorado State University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is seeking a Head of Properties candidate with professional experience in theatre, opera, and/or dance.The Head of Properties manages the prop shop and helps train BA undergrad students in the implementation of properties for all Music, Theatre, and dance productions.


Essential Job Duties
  • Construct or adapt from stock all properties elements for each production and assist in ensuring the safe and timely completion and installation of those elements.
  • Organize and maintain props storage areas, shop spaces, and inventory system.
  • Keeps all prop shop machinery, tools, and supplies in safe working order.
  • This position requires exceptional organizational, communication, collaboration, and research skills.
  • Attends all design meetings, production meetings, and tech rehearsals as required.
  • Some evenings and weekends may be required.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace in the prop shop at all times.
  • Maintains accurate budget tracking and submits purchase orders and receipts in a timely manner while obeying all university PCard purchasing rules and regulations.
  • Be able to safely lift 50 lbs.
  • Other related duties as assigned.
  • Works independently to run and manage the prop shop and storage areas.
  • Oversees the training and supervision of work-study and theatre practicum students.
  • Interprets technical drawings and coordinates with scenic designers and staff on the most effective way of realizing the design.

Conditions of Employment
  • Pre-employment Criminal Background Check

Supervision
  • Work-study and theatre TH286 practicum II students.

Minimum Qualifications
  • BA or BFA in theatre or related field with proven knowledge and work in properties construction.
  • One + year(s) of relevant work experience.
  • Expertise in prop construction techniques, including painting, sewing, furniture building, upholstery, and crafting.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 2 years of professional experience.
  • Experience working with and maintaining a budget.
  • Experience maintaining a props shop.
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring students and/or interns/artisans.

Application Instructions

With your application, please include:

  • Resume or CV
  • Cover letter addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications.
  • Portfolio or website with 5-10 pages demonstrating your skill sets.
Salary Range$50,000-$52,000Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Portfolio, Resume/CV Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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