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Prop Shop Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Shop & Warehouse Position Headcount 3 Position Title Student Prop House Assistant Academic Year ... Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad ...

... Shop & Warehouse Position Headcount 3 Position Title Student Prop House Assistant Academic Year ... Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad ...

Merchandising/organizing the prop shop * Handling e-com orders We're looking for someone who: * 3x days a week - Thursday and Friday with a third day of your choice - 9am - 4pm * Has flexibility and ...

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Prop Painting & Prep: Prep, prime, spray-gun, and hand-roll latex paint onto custom props, sets ... General Labor: Assist with shop organization, surface sanding, material handling, staging items ...

Be Seen First

Prop Painting & Prep: Prep, prime, spray-gun, and hand-roll latex paint onto custom props, sets ... General Labor: Assist with shop organization, surface sanding, material handling, staging items ...

Junior Trader

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

This position offers you the chance to be a member of an elite team of entry level graduates who will be taught and guided by two founders of this highly successful prop trading shop. They are ...

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Prop Shop information

See California salary details

$8

$16

$26

How much do prop shop jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for prop shop in California is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prop shop?

A Prop Shop job typically involves working in a prop department for theater, film, television, or live events, where professionals design, build, and manage props used in productions. Responsibilities may include fabricating custom props, sourcing materials, and ensuring props function correctly on set. Workers in a prop shop often have skills in carpentry, sculpting, painting, and sewing. Attention to detail and creativity are essential in this role, as props help bring a production to life.

What does a typical workday look like for someone working in a prop shop?

A typical day in a Prop Shop involves collaborating with designers and production staff to interpret prop needs, sourcing and fabricating materials, and maintaining a well-organized inventory of props. Team members may spend time constructing or repairing items, coordinating with other departments for timely set changes, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during rehearsals or performances. Often, the work is hands-on, fast-paced, and requires adapting to last-minute requests or design adjustments. This environment fosters close teamwork, creativity, and offers professionals the chance to see their work directly enhance the overall production.

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

To excel in a Prop Shop role, you need a solid understanding of set construction, fabrication, and props management, usually acquired through hands-on experience or technical theater training. Familiarity with hand and power tools, basic carpentry, painting techniques, and inventory systems is important, and some positions may require forklift certification or OSHA safety training. Resourcefulness, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are vital for collaborating with creative and production teams. These skills are crucial for building safe, functional, and visually accurate props under tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.

How to get into prop shop making as a career?

To pursue a career in prop shop making, develop skills in carpentry, sculpting, painting, and design, often through vocational training, workshops, or art school. Gaining experience with tools like foam, wood, and adhesives, as well as building a strong portfolio, can help you secure entry-level positions in prop fabrication or set construction environments.

What are popular job titles related to Prop Shop jobs in California?

For Prop Shop jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Prop Shop jobs?

Cities in California with the most Prop Shop job openings:

Infographic showing various Prop Shop job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,135 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Student Prop House Assistant

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link
https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/40838
Job Number
SE231624
Position Information
Department or Unit Name
Dodge College- Scene Shop & Warehouse
Position Headcount
3
Position Title
Student Prop House Assistant
Academic Year
Academic Year 2026-2027
Term or Semester
All Academic Year
Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student?
Grad and Undergrad
Anticipated Pay Range
$16.90 - $16.90
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done?
Orange
Approved Supervisor
Jessica Lopez
Supervisor Email
jessilopez@chapman.edu
Scheduling
Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)
Desired Start Date
09/04/2026
Projected End Date
05/31/2027
Average number of hours per week
Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Reporting directly to The Scenery Technician at the Prop House. Must be able to take direction from Supervisor, be proactive, be punctual, & have the ability to work in an independent or team environment.
Responsibilities
  • Customer support in the CSW Production Design Facilities
  • Heavy Lifting and moving props (furniture)
  • Pull and return equipment to fulfill reservations for student productions
  • Check to make sure trucks are loaded safely and securely
  • Check for damage and report on returned props
  • Keep prop house clean and organized at all times
  • Answer/make phone calls in the Prop House regarding appointments

Required Qualifications
[Little to minimal prior experience. Ability to learn support process. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite. ]
Desired Qualifications
Have basic computer skills
Special Instructions to Applicants
Hello I am looking for candidates with availability between the hours of 8:30am-4pm.
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required?
Yes

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