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Scenic Design information

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$49.5K

$58.5K

$68.5K

How much do scenic design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for scenic design in the United States is $58,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Scenic Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, drafting, spatial awareness, and often a degree in theater design or related fields. Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and familiarity with model building and stage construction techniques are typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and collaboration skills help Scenic Designers work effectively with directors, production teams, and other designers. These abilities are crucial for translating creative concepts into practical, visually compelling stage environments that enhance the overall production.

What are some common challenges scenic designers face when collaborating with directors and other creative teams?

Scenic designers often navigate the challenge of balancing their creative vision with the director’s overall concept and the practical requirements of the production. Collaboration with lighting, costume, and sound designers requires flexibility and strong communication skills to ensure cohesive storytelling. Time constraints, budget limitations, and adapting designs to fit different venues are also frequent hurdles. Being open to feedback and willing to iterate on designs helps scenic designers thrive in these collaborative environments.

What is the difference between Scenic Design vs Costume Design?

AspectScenic DesignCostume Design
Primary FocusCreating the physical environment and scenery for a productionDesigning costumes and wardrobe for characters
Work EnvironmentTheater, film, television setsTheater, film, television wardrobe departments
Required SkillsDrafting, model-making, spatial designDrawing, fabric knowledge, character analysis
Industry UsageUsed in stage and set design for visual storytellingUsed in character development and visual storytelling through clothing

While both Scenic Design and Costume Design are essential for visual storytelling in productions, Scenic Design focuses on creating the environment and physical scenery, whereas Costume Design centers on character appearance through clothing. Both roles require creative skills and industry-specific knowledge, often collaborating closely to bring a production to life.

What is scenic design?

Scenic design is the art and practice of creating the visual environment for a theater, film, or television production. A scenic designer is responsible for designing sets, backgrounds, and stage elements that help convey the mood, location, and context of the story being told. This involves collaborating with directors, lighting designers, and other production staff to ensure the scenery supports and enhances the overall vision. Scenic design combines elements of architecture, visual art, and storytelling to transform empty spaces into immersive worlds for audiences.
More about Scenic Design jobs

What cities are hiring for Scenic Design jobs?

Cities with the most Scenic Design job openings:

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

The most popular types of Scenic Design jobs are:

What states have the most Scenic Design jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Scenic Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Scenic Design jobs are:

Scenic Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scenic Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,549 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Regular Faculty - Scenic Design

University of Idaho

Moscow, ID • On-site

$65K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Idaho rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

361st of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
F001377P
Internal Posting?
Recruitment Title
Regular Faculty - Scenic Design
Advertising Pay Range
$65,061.72 or higher commensurate with experience
Location
Moscow
Primary Division/College
Col of Letters, Arts & Social Sci.
Primary Unit
Theatre Arts
Employee Category
Faculty
Classification Group Title
Regular Faculty
Position Control Number
0132
Suffix
00
Contingency Code
Not Applicable
FTE
1
Contract Basis
Academic Year
Anticipated Contract Start Date
08/17/2026
FLSA Status
Exempt
Tenure Tracking
Tenure Track
Rank
Assistant Professor
Extension Type
Not Applicable
Administrative Appointment Type
Not applicable
Administrative Appointment End Date (if applicable)
Position Responsibilities
Position Summary
The Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Idaho invites applications for a full-time, Assistant Professor of Theatre in Scenic Design. This tenure track position will begin Fall 2026 with a 2/3 teaching load. The department seeks a collaborative artist-scholar with a strong professional design portfolio, teaching experience, and a commitment to training the next generation of theatre-makers. The department values innovation, interdisciplinarity, and equity in both creative practice and pedagogy.
Primary Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in scenic design
  • Lead the MFA Scenic Design program, including mentoring graduate students and overseeing thesis and creative work
  • Teach in related areas (e.g., digital drafting, scenic painting, design theory) as qualified
  • Supervise student designers and teaching assistants in both classroom and production settings
  • Maintain an active professional creative practice in regional/national/international venues
  • Participate in student recruitment, both graduate and undergraduate
  • Serve on department, college, and university committees
  • Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, and interdisciplinary initiatives
  • Other duties as assigned by the Department Chair

Teaching Modality:
  • Must be able to teach in-person on the University of Idaho's Moscow campus
  • Proficiency in digital and physical design practices strongly encouraged
  • Comfortable working/teaching with remote learners

Unit/Department Summary
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
Administrative Summary
Contingency Description
Teaching & Advising
60%
Scholarship & Creative Activity
30%
Outreach & Extension
5%
University Service & Leadership
5%
Qualifications
Minimum Education/Degree Required
Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire.
Required Qualifications
  • MFA in Scenic Design or closely related field
  • Minimum of five years of professional experience at the regional theatre level or higher
  • Experience teaching scenic design and related areas
  • Experience in researching theatrical design
  • Experience collaborating with others

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience teaching at the collegiate level
  • Record of mentorship and supervision of student design work
  • Portfolio demonstrating a range of design practices and interdisciplinary engagement
  • Evidence of sustained creative achievement
  • Proficiency in digital design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, Adobe Suite)
  • Experience with drafting and the ability to teach digital drafting techniques
  • Evidence of engaged scholarship, including community, socially responsive, or interdisciplinary design work
  • Demonstrated commitment to access in theatre education and design

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Posting Information
Posting Date
09/26/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications must be received by July 8, 2026 for priority review. To apply, please submit the following:
  1. Cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant qualifications. Please also include a website link to your digital portfolio of representative scenic design work.
  2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
  3. Statement of teaching philosophy, with specific attention to pedagogy, mentorship, and creative practice
  4. Names and contact information for three professional references

Applicant Resources
https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.
No

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