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Props Artist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Retail Sales Lead

Novi, MI · On-site

$15/hr

POP MART identifies and nurtures emerging artists and designers worldwide, creating popular ... Installation of Marketing decals, props, set up new merchandising planograms, and set up marketing ...

Props Artist information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$21

$35

How much do props artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for props artist in Michigan is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $24.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a props artist?

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.

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 popular job titles related to Props Artist jobs in Michigan?

For Props Artist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Props Artist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,680 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

$13.73 - $17.39/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Hourly/Performing Arts Center
Date Posted:
7/28/2026
Location:
Administration Building, Central Office
Reports To: Technical Director
Pay Range: $13.73/ hr - $17.39 / hr (D.O.E.)
Position Overview
The PAC Stagehand provides technical, scenic, and operational support for all district performing arts venues, school productions, and live district events. Working as part of a centralized 6-person technical team, this role involves set construction, audio/lighting setup, venue maintenance, and live event support across multiple district facilities year-round. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, safety-minded problem solver who thrives in a varied, fast-paced environment, takes proactive ownership of tasks, maintains a professional appearance appropriate for a school setting, and understands how to adapt creative technical elements to fulfill the primary director's production vision.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Scenic Construction & Deck Work: Build, assemble, transport, and strike scenic elements, staging platform systems (e.g., Wenger risers), and props according to production specifications, established venue SOPs, and safety guidelines.
  • Live Audio & Lighting Support: Assist with the installation, cabling, operation, and strike of audio reinforcement and lighting rigs for theatrical performances, concerts, district board meetings, and special events using standard equipment packages.
  • Collaborative Execution: Execute scenic, lighting, or audio elements collaboratively, maintaining the flexibility to adapt technical and artistic choices to align with the primary Director's or Technical Director's vision.
  • Venue & Shop Maintenance: Maintain clean, safe, and organized scene shops, backstage areas, lighting catwalks, and technical storage facilities.
  • Event Support & Customer Service: Interact professionally and calmly with educators, student crews, guest performers, and administrative personnel during rehearsals and live events, maintaining an appropriate dress code for the venue.
  • Proactive Task Ownership: Execute daily task lists independently or as part of a crew, demonstrating self-directed initiative to prepare venues ahead of scheduled event timelines.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Basic familiarity with hand tools and portable power tools (e.g., drills, saws) with a strict commitment to workshop safety procedures.
  • Ability to follow verbal instructions, technical diagrams, standard venue setup sheets, or basic production run sheets.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to collaborate productively with non-technical school staff and maintain composure under pressure.
  • Adaptable mindset with the ability to balance creative input with objective direction from project leads.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
  • Must be able to repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 60 lbs (team lifting required for heavier staging elements).
  • Comfortable working at height from ladders, scaffolding, and personnel lifts (genie lifts), as well as working in darkened venue environments and tight spaces.
  • Ability to perform occasional outdoor work in varying weather conditions to support outdoor district events (e.g., graduation ceremonies, field days, athletic audio setups).
  • Full-time, year-round position requiring a flexible schedule. While shifts primarily occur during daytime operational hours, schedules vary based on venue events, rehearsals, tech weeks, and rotating district board meetings. Must adhere to venue safety dress codes (closed-toe protective footwear for shop/deck work) and appropriate show attire during live performance support.

Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Prior hands-on experience in live technical theater, event production, or scenic carpentry (formal degree not required).
  • Valid Driver's License (Chauffeur's endorsement or willingness to obtain one for district vehicle operation is a plus).