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Prop Stylist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ReaderLink

Marketing Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Support on-set studio photography as needed, including product setup, prop styling, and operating camera equipment under the photographer's direction. * Maintain and organize the digital image ...

Buck Mason

Junior Women's Art Director

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

... prop sourcing, and location planning * Partner with the Senior AD to build and plan shotlists for ... styling, and visual communication * Exceptional taste and attention to detail -- you notice ...

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Prop Stylist information

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How much do prop stylist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for prop stylist in California is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Prop Stylist typically collaborate with photographers and art directors on set?

Prop Stylists work closely with photographers and art directors to ensure that every visual element aligns with the creative vision for a shoot. They are responsible for sourcing, arranging, and adjusting props throughout the session, often making real-time changes based on feedback. Communication and flexibility are key, as stylists must quickly interpret direction and adapt their setups to achieve the desired aesthetic. Regular collaboration ensures that props enhance the story, complement the lighting, and fit seamlessly within the composition.

What do prop stylists do?

Prop stylists are responsible for selecting, arranging, and maintaining props used in photo shoots, film, or television to create the desired visual aesthetic. They work closely with set designers and photographers, often using tools like catalogs and mood boards, and may need to understand safety standards and deadlines. Their role ensures that all props enhance the overall scene and meet the project's creative vision.

What is the difference between Prop Stylist vs Set Designer?

AspectProp StylistSet Designer
Primary FocusArranging and styling props for shootsDesigning and creating entire sets
Work EnvironmentPhoto shoots, commercials, catalogsFilm, TV, theater productions
CredentialsRelevant design or styling experience, sometimes certificationsDesign degree or related experience

Prop Stylists focus on selecting and arranging props to enhance visual storytelling in photos and commercials, while Set Designers create the overall environment and structure of a scene for film or theater. Both roles require a strong eye for design, but Prop Stylists specialize in smaller details, whereas Set Designers handle larger scale set creation.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

Prop stylists typically do not earn $150,000 annually; higher salaries in media often go to roles such as creative directors, senior producers, or executive producers, especially in large productions or networks. These positions require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often involve managing large teams and budgets. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and level of responsibility.

How do you become a prop stylist?

To become a prop stylist, gaining experience in styling, set design, or art departments is helpful, often through internships or entry-level positions. Developing skills in organization, creativity, and knowledge of props and set dressing tools is essential, and building a strong portfolio can improve job prospects.

What Does a Prop Stylist Do?

As a prop stylist, you work on a photo shoot to enhance the creative vision with objects, also known as props. You can work on various photo shoots in different industries, like fashion, food, or interior design, or you can choose to specialize in one area. As part of your duties and responsibilities on set, you arrange props, coordinate prop usage within the space or for people who are in the photo shoot, and mix prop colors and textures to help a photographer or marketing team create each photo. Your work may be used for digital and print images in magazines, books, social media platforms, advertisements, or websites.

How much do wardrobe stylists get paid?

Wardrobe stylists typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. Freelance stylists may have variable income based on projects and clients, while those working for production companies or fashion houses often have steady salaries and benefits.

What are prop stylists and what do they do?

Prop stylists are creative professionals who design, source, and arrange objects (props) for photography, film, television, advertisements, and events. Their job is to visually enhance a scene or image by selecting and positioning items that help tell a story or convey a particular mood. They work closely with photographers, art directors, and clients to ensure that every detail contributes to the overall aesthetic. Prop stylists often have a strong sense of design, an eye for detail, and the ability to adapt to different styles and project requirements.

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

To thrive as a Prop Stylist, you need a keen eye for design, strong organizational skills, and an understanding of visual storytelling, often supported by a background in art, design, or related fields. Familiarity with photo shoot production, sourcing tools, and digital editing software like Adobe Photoshop is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help a prop stylist collaborate effectively with photographers, clients, and creative teams. These abilities are vital for creating compelling visual scenes that align with project goals and deliver impactful imagery.
More about Prop Stylist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Prop Stylist jobs in California? The most popular types of Prop Stylist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Prop Stylist jobs in California? For Prop Stylist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prop Stylist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prop Stylist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Prop Stylist jobs? Cities in California with the most Prop Stylist job openings:
Prop Stylist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prop Stylist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,223 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Props Captain, Set Decor

Props Captain, Set Decor

Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$28.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Universal Studios Hollywood rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 58 rated theme parks

Job description

Props Captain, Set Decor
Job no: HN26-PRCSD
Work type: Full Time
Location: Los Angeles
Categories: Entertainment
JOB DUTIES
Creative Collaboration:
  • Partner with Production Designers, creative teams, and Props & Placemaking leadership to support the
    development and execution of prop and set decoration elements for entertainment productions, seasonal events, and placemaking initiatives.
  • Participate in design reviews and production planning meetings to ensure décor elements align with creative direction, intellectual property guidelines, operational requirements, and project timelines.
  • Interpret scaled drawings, sketches, models, and visual references to translate creative concepts into practical prop and set decoration solutions.

Set Decoration & Sourcing:
  • Research, source, and procure furniture, hand props, décor, textiles, and specialty items from prop houses, vendors, rental facilities, antique sources, and custom fabricators.
  • Evaluate existing scenic and set decoration inventory within Entertainment warehouse and storage locations to identify opportunities to repurpose, redress, or modify existing assets before sourcing new items.
  • Apply strong knowledge of historical and contemporary design styles when selecting and arranging décor elements to support environmental storytelling.
  • Oversee the collection, preparation, and arrangement of set decoration items to ensure cohesive and visually compelling environments.
  • Recommend sourcing strategies that balance creative intent, durability, budget constraints, and project
    timelines.
  • Maintain awareness of available warehouse inventory and legacy scenic assets to identify opportunities for reuse across projects.

Vendor & Partner Coordination:
  • Develop and maintain productive working relationships with prop houses, rental vendors, specialty fabricators, and suppliers.
  • Coordinate quotes, purchases, rentals, and fabrication requests while ensuring alignment with project budgets and schedules.
  • Collaborate with internal partners across Entertainment, Production, Technical Services, and other departments to support successful integration of prop and décor elements.

Team Leadership:
  • Provide guidance and direction to prop artisans in the sourcing, preparation, fabrication, and installation of props and set decoration elements.
  • Mentor team members and support skill development while fostering a collaborative and solution-oriented work environment.
  • Help prioritize work assignments and coordinate efforts across multiple projects to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
  • Serve as a subject matter resource for set decoration practices, materials, and styling approaches.

Fabrication Oversight & Prop Engineering:
  • Work with prop artisans to determine appropriate fabrication methods, materials, and construction approaches for custom props and décor elements.
  • Provide guidance and creative direction during the fabrication process to ensure elements meet design intent, durability standards, and production timelines.
  • Translate conceptual ideas and verbal descriptions into practical prop solutions that can be executed by the fabrication team.
  • Assist with fabrication or modification of prop elements when needed to support project deadlines or
    specialized requirements.

Installation & On-Site Art Direction:
  • Support or lead the installation and dressing of scenic environments on site, ensuring décor elements are placed according to design intent and meet safety and quality standards.
  • Coordinate with designers and project leads to make adjustments during installation as needed to maintain visual integrity and storytelling.
  • Assist with strike, storage, and redeployment of set decoration elements for future use when applicable.

Operations & Inventory:
  • Assist in estimating materials, décor elements, and fabrication resources required for assigned projects.
  • Support the organization and documentation of set dressing inventory, including tracking locations, condition, and availability of stock items using inventory management systems such as RT Pro (Rental Tracker) or similar asset tracking platforms.
  • Maintain familiarity with warehouse inventory and scenic assets to support efficient reuse and redeployment of décor elements across projects.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe workspaces in accordance with department safety standards and best practices.
  • Participate in quality control efforts to ensure all elements meet design expectations and operational
    requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Entertainment Department.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimum of five years of professional experience in theatrical props, set decoration, scenic fabrication, or related production environments such as themed entertainment, live events, theater, television, or film.
  • Demonstrated experience sourcing, selecting, and curating furniture, hand props, décor, textiles, and set dressing elements to support environmental storytelling.
  • Working knowledge of scenic fabrication techniques and materials, including wood, metal, plastics, textiles, and decorative finishes, with the ability to guide fabrication approaches in collaboration with prop artisans.
  • Experience working with prop houses, rental vendors, specialty fabricators, and other suppliers to source décor and prop elements within budget and production timelines.
  • Strong ability to read and interpret design drawings, sketches, models, and visual references to translate creative concepts into practical prop and set decoration solutions.
  • Demonstrated organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adapting to shifting priorities and deadlines.
  • Experience leading or guiding small teams within a production environment and collaborating effectively with designers, technicians, and cross-department partners.
  • Working knowledge of shop tools and fabrication environments sufficient to support fabrication planning and troubleshooting when needed.
  • Proficiency with standard office and production software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook,Teams), Adobe Acrobat, and internet research tools.
  • Working knowledge of workplace safety standards and best practices within a fabrication or production environment.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by production needs.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS
  • Bachelor's degree in Theatre, Scenic Design, Production Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Strong aesthetic judgment and demonstrated understanding of historical and contemporary design styles relevant to themed environments.
  • Experience working in themed entertainment, immersive attractions, live entertainment, or theme park
    environments.
  • Familiarity with warehouse inventory systems and asset management platforms such as RT Pro (Rental Tracker) or similar systems.
  • Proven leadership abilities with a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and clear communication.
  • Creative problem-solver capable of balancing artistic intent with practical production constraints such as budget, durability, and operational needs.
  • Ability to build productive relationships with vendors, creative partners, and cross-functional production teams.
  • High level of attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality scenic environments that support immersive storytelling.

Pay:
  • $28.50 per hour, plus a $3.00 per hour overscale.

Additional Information:
NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.
Advertised: 09 Jul 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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