ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Props Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Props Artisan

Houston, TX · On-site

$18/hr

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in ... JOB STATEMENT Props Artisans work in conjunction with the Properties Director to achieve the scenic ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Props Artisan

Houston, TX

$18/hr

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in ... JOB STATEMENT Props Artisans work in conjunction with the Properties Director to achieve the scenic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProps Artist Jobs

Props Artist information

See salary details

$9

$24

$40

How much do props artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for props artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Props Artist vs Set Designer?

Props ArtistSet Designer
Creates and sources props used on setDesigns and plans entire set layouts and environments
Focuses on small-scale objects and detailsFocuses on overall set design and structure
Requires skills in prop sourcing, carpentry, and detail workRequires skills in design, drafting, and spatial planning
Works closely with Props Master and Art DepartmentWorks with Art Director and Production Designer

Props Artists specialize in creating and sourcing individual objects to enhance scenes, while Set Designers develop the overall visual environment. Both roles collaborate closely but differ in scope and focus, with Props Artists handling detailed objects and Set Designers managing entire set layouts.

What are Props Artists?

Props Artists are creative professionals who design, create, and manage the props used in film, television, theater, animation, and video games. Their work involves building physical or digital objects that characters interact with, helping to bring stories and environments to life. Props Artists often collaborate closely with set designers, directors, and other members of the production team to ensure props are visually consistent with the overall style and period of the project. Their skillset spans sculpting, painting, 3D modeling, and occasionally, mechanical engineering for interactive props.

How does a Props Artist typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

As a Props Artist, collaboration with other departments is essential throughout the production process. You'll often work closely with concept artists to translate sketches into 3D models, and coordinate with animators to ensure props function properly within scenes. Communication with environment artists and technical directors is also common, as it helps maintain visual consistency and ensures props meet performance requirements. This cross-team interaction fosters a dynamic work environment and is crucial for the seamless integration of props into the final product.

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

To thrive as a Props Artist, you need strong artistic skills, 3D modeling proficiency, and a solid understanding of form, texture, and color, often backed by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and texturing software such as Substance Painter is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and time management are essential soft skills that help you excel in team settings and meet project deadlines. These skills ensure that props are visually compelling, technically sound, and fit seamlessly within the overall production environment.
More about Props Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Props Artist jobs? Cities with the most Props Artist job openings:
What states have the most Props Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Props Artist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Props Artist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Props Artist jobs are:
Props Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Props Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
SEASONAL Props Designer

SEASONAL Props Designer

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$27/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a(an) SEASONAL PROPS DESIGNER.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Seasonal Props Designer is responsible for acquisition, creation, maintenance, and strike of all rehearsal and show hand props, consumables, furniture props, and set dressing for four mainstage productions. The Props Designer collaborates closely with Directors, Scenic Designers, and Stage Managers on the artistic and logistical needs of the production. This position is also responsible for overseeing student props artisans and mentoring student props designers.

This is a seasonal, non-union part-time role. Hours will vary based on production schedule, not to exceed 950 hours per calendar year.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, source, build, alter and maintain all props and set dressing.

  • Attend design and production meetings, designer runs, technical rehearsals, preview performances, as scheduled by the Production Manager. Attend audition meetings and rehearsals as needed or requested by the Production Manager, Director, and/or Stage Manager.

  • Create and update props lists throughout production and rehearsal processes.

  • Acquire all props-pulling from CCC Theatre's inventory, shopping, constructing, altering, renting, or borrowing as needed.

  • Coordinate transport and delivery of all items and the return of all rented or borrowed materials.

  • Oversee maintenance, repairs, and consumables replenishment throughout each run. Provide repair kits and train student crews in basic maintenance needs. Address major repairs or recurring issues directly.

  • Track props budgets reconcile all expenses accurate paperwork and itemized receipts.

  • Lead props strike, returns, and inventory restoration.

  • Foster a positive, collaborative, and creative work environment rooted in respect.

  • Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

  • Bachelor's degree in design or technical theatre

  • Minimum of three years' experience in professional theatre.

  • Experience with props sourcing, fabrication, and alteration techniques, including carpentry, carving, molding, upholstery, painting, and sewing.

  • Experience supervising or mentoring students, interns, or early career professionals preferred.

  • Valid driver's license.

  • Strong organizational and budget-management skills.

  • Comfort working at heights, in tight spaces, low light, near loud noises, and in dusty environments.

  • Excellent communication and creative problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to collaborate with individuals of varied personalities, skill levels, backgrounds, and neurodiversity.

  • Ability to work a variable schedule, including evenings and Saturdays as required.

  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.

  • Ability to lift, push, pull, or otherwise maneuver independently up to 50lbs independently.

Position Minimum Hourly Rate: $22.60

Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $27.00

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information. 

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  •  Position subject to a background screening

  • This is a non-union position

  • This is a part-time position

  • This position is overtime eligible

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

Apply