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Scenic Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scenic Foreman

Hilliard, OH · On-site

$26 - $32.50/hr

The Scenic Foreman also maintains the inventory of materials, hardware, and scenic storage ... Leadership skills to guide a team of carpenters, painters, and artists through the production ...

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Scenic Painter (Artist)

Sorrento, FL · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

We are looking for a talented person familiar with artistic painting on various mediums of various sizes. Used to working with everything from detail brushes and airbrush up to HVLP and Airless paint ...

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Scenic Painter (Artist)

Sorrento, FL · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

We are looking for a talented person familiar with artistic painting on various mediums of various sizes. Used to working with everything from detail brushes and airbrush up to HVLP and Airless paint ...

Scenic Painter

Orlando, FL

$17 - $23/hr

Scenic Painter Apply now Job no: 665387 Work type: Regular (Full-Time) Location: Orlando Categories ... P-Visual Arts, specializing in painting, drawing, or sculpture is preferred EXPERIENCE: * Three ...

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Scenic Artist information

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$5

$21

$26

How much do scenic artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for scenic artist in the United States is $21.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scenic artist?

Scenic Artists are professionals who create and paint the visual backdrops, scenery, and props for theater productions, film sets, television, and other performances or events. They work closely with set designers and directors to bring creative visions to life, employing techniques like painting, texturing, and sculpting. Scenic Artists often use specialized tools and materials to achieve realistic or stylized effects, ensuring that sets look authentic and visually striking on stage or screen.

What does a scenic artist do?

As a scenic artist, your responsibilities are to create set props, backdrop options, and similar elements for a TV show, film, or theater production. You most commonly work under the guidance and specifications of the director or production manager. Other duties of this position include supervising a larger paint department, providing a cost analysis of proposed projects, purchasing paint and other supplies, creating sample textures, and producing touch-up kits to quickly repair damaged scenery. You may also direct local crews during event setups and interact with clients and staff. Scenic artists often work regular hours but may need to be available nights or weekends to meet production needs.

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

To thrive as a Scenic Artist, you need a strong background in fine arts, color theory, and painting techniques, often supported by a degree in art or theatre production. Familiarity with scenic painting tools, texturing materials, and digital design software like AutoCAD or Photoshop is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with production teams are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for translating design concepts into compelling stage environments that enhance the overall visual storytelling in theatrical or film productions.

How does a scenic artist typically collaborate with set designers and production teams during a project?

Scenic Artists work closely with set designers and production teams to bring creative visions to life, often starting with reviewing design renderings and discussing textures, colors, and finishes. They regularly attend production meetings to align on deadlines and creative direction, and may participate in on-site walkthroughs or mock-ups to ensure accuracy. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as last-minute changes or technical challenges can arise. Collaboration is a key aspect of the role, requiring Scenic Artists to balance artistic input with practical considerations and team feedback to achieve the desired outcome.

What is the difference between Scenic Artist vs Set Painter?

AspectScenic ArtistSet Painter
CredentialsArt or design background, sometimes certifications in scenic paintingSimilar art background, often with specialized training in set painting techniques
Work EnvironmentTheatrical, film, television, and live event settingsPrimarily theatrical and film production sets
Industry UsageUsed across entertainment, theater, and film industriesCommonly used in theater and film set construction
Job FocusDesigning and creating painted scenery, murals, and backdropsApplying paint to set surfaces, creating textures and finishes

While both Scenic Artists and Set Painters work on creating visual scenery, Scenic Artists focus on designing and painting detailed backdrops and murals, whereas Set Painters primarily apply paint to set surfaces to achieve textures and finishes. Both roles require artistic skills and work in similar environments, but their specific responsibilities differ within the production process.

What cities are hiring for Scenic Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Scenic Artist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Scenic Artist jobs?

The most popular types of Scenic Artist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Scenic Artist jobs?

The top employers for Scenic Artist jobs are:

What states have the most Scenic Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Scenic Artist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Scenic Artist jobs?

For Scenic Artist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scenic Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,729 per year, or $21 per hour.

Scenic Foreman

Hilliard, OH • On-site


Mills James Inc
Motion Picture and Video Production • 51 - 200 employees

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 78 rated media

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks


$26 - $32.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Summary

Mills James has an immediate opening for a Scenic Foreman. The person in this position is responsible for facilitating the construction and on-time delivery of custom builds for internal projects, live events, and studio broadcasts. The Scenic Foreman also maintains the inventory of materials, hardware, and scenic storage.

Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree from a fouryear college or university; and six years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Six years of successful carpentry and construction planning and execution
  • experience in a fast-paced and diverse production environment, including woodworking, metalworking, painting, and finish carpentry

  • Ability to read construction drawings
  • Leadership skills to guide a team of carpenters, painters, and artists through the production process
  • Exceptional attention to detail, strong troubleshooting skills, and selfmotivation
  • Maintain a professional appearance and attitude
  • Strong commitment to safety in all aspects of the build process
  • Valid driver’s license; ability to drive cargo vans and small box trucks
  • Availability to work early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends
  • Portfolio demonstrating experience in scenic and fabrication work
  • Duties and Responsibilities

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty and other duties that may be assigned. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Lead the construction of scenic elements while coordinating with Scenic Team,
  • Freelance labor, Producers, Production Managers, Stakeholders

  • Work on multiple projects efficiently with high accuracy and attention to detail, within timeline and budget
  • Work with and guide internal and external carpenters to ensure projects meet scope in a timely and efficient manner
  • Maintain the scenic shop, including cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and safe operation of power tools and equipment
  • Attend planning, design, and production meetings as required
  • Conduct safety training and enforce scenic shop safety policies
  • Maintain inventories of building materials and supplies
  • Coordinate daily shop functions and operations with the Scenic Lead and Scenic
  • Project Coordinator
  • Prepare scenic elements, tools, and equipment for transportation
  • Travel to project sites when needed to lead installation and strike
  • Work independently or collaboratively on projects such as scenic sets, facility
  • remodeling, custom consoles and furniture, road cases, general construction and maintenance work

    Benefits

    Mills James offers a comprehensive benefits package for this full-time opportunity, including AnthemERC health, Guardian dental and vision care, 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with discretionary matching



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