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Scenic Designer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

This position reports to the lead scenic designer. We're especially looking for someone with hands-on carpentry experience - comfortable running shop tools, reading plans, and building scenic or ...

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Scenic Designer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$50K

$59.1K

$69.1K

How much do scenic designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for scenic designer in Wisconsin is $59,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $62,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scenic designer?

A scenic designer, also known as a set designer, is a professional who creates the visual environment for stage productions, films, television shows, and other performances. They are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of sets that reflect the story, mood, and style of the production. Scenic designers work closely with directors, lighting designers, costume designers, and other members of the production team to ensure the set complements the overall artistic vision. Their work involves creating sketches, models, and technical drawings, as well as selecting materials and collaborating with construction crews.

What does a scenic designer do?

A scenic designer typically works in the set production department for theatrical, film, or television productions. They can also work for museums, zoos, and other industries that produce special exhibits that require background scenery. Your duties and responsibilities in this career are to create scenery that mimics a physical environment, such as backgrounds used on a sound stage or theater stage, in consultation with other members of the art department and the director. From these consultations, you sketch rough drafts and, with approval from supervisors, begin to build the sets or backdrops, adding any props or fixtures necessary to complete the scene.

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 strong skills in visual arts, spatial design, and an understanding of theater production, typically supported by a degree in scenic or theatrical design. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and traditional drafting techniques is commonly required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for bringing directors' visions to life and working with production teams. These abilities ensure that the scenic environment enhances storytelling while meeting technical and logistical demands of stage productions.

How does a scenic designer typically collaborate with directors and other design departments during a production?

Scenic Designers work closely with the director to ensure the visual environment aligns with the overall artistic vision of the production. Collaboration extends to other design departments such as lighting, costume, and sound to maintain consistency and address practical needs like scene changes or actor movement. Regular meetings and design presentations are common, and Scenic Designers often adjust their plans based on feedback from the team. This collaborative process is essential for creating cohesive and functional stage environments.

What is the difference between Scenic Designer vs Set Designer?

AspectScenic DesignerSet Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in theater, design, or related field; experience in theater or filmBachelor's degree in theater, design, or related field; experience in film or television
Work EnvironmentTheater productions, film sets, television studiosFilm and television set construction, studio environments
Industry UsagePrimarily theater, some film and TVPrimarily film and TV, some theater
Role FocusDesigning the overall look of the scenery for stage productionsDesigning the physical environment for film and TV sets

While both Scenic Designers and Set Designers create environments for visual storytelling, Scenic Designers focus mainly on theater productions, designing scenery that enhances live performances. Set Designers typically work in film and television, creating sets that appear on camera. The roles overlap in design skills and industry knowledge but differ in their primary media and specific responsibilities.

How much do scenic designers make?

The average salary for scenic designers is around $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level scenic designers typically earn less, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher salaries. Skills in CAD software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What do you need to be a scenic designer?

To become a scenic designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in theater design, fine arts, or a related field. Strong skills in drawing, model-making, and knowledge of stagecraft and materials are essential, along with proficiency in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Experience through internships or assistant roles is also valuable for building a portfolio and industry connections.

What are popular job titles related to Scenic Designer jobs in WI?

For Scenic Designer jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scenic Designer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,097 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Scenic Production Assistant

Madison, WI • On-site


University of Wisconsin-Madison
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 625 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$20 - $22/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
University Staff
Employment Type:
Temporary (Fixed Term)
Job Profile:
Stagehand TE
Job Summary:
PBS Wisconsin, a service of Wisconsin Public Media, is hiring a Scenic Production Assistant to build the studio sets and props seen in its television productions. This is a carpentry-focused, hands-on role: most of the work involves framing, cutting, assembling, and finishing scenic elements in the shop, then installing and striking them in the studio or on location for special events.
Beyond the build itself, this position collaborates with the lead scenic designer to plan, design, and furnish productions. Keeps tools, equipment, and storage areas clean, organized, and accurately inventoried, using the existing inventory database.
Responsibilities
  • Assist in building, installing, and taking down scenic sets and props for studio and remote productions and events.
  • Keep the scene shop and storage areas clean, organized, and free of clutter
  • Maintain accurate inventories and records of scenic equipment and properties
  • Other scenic and production-related responsibilities as assigned.

This position reports to the lead scenic designer.
We're especially looking for someone with hands-on carpentry experience - comfortable running shop tools, reading plans, and building scenic or theatrical elements from the ground up. Being able to create construction drawings for designs is a plus but not required
This position is classified under UW-Madison's Stagehand TE standard job title (Job Code TE012, Temporary Employee category), with the working title of Scenic Production Assistant.
This is a part-time (50%), non-exempt, hourly appointment with a one year term
The successful candidate can anticipate working an average of 20 hours per week, with some weeks being more and some less depending on production schedules and deadlines.
This position works on-site at PBS Wisconsin's studios at Vilas Communication Hall on the UW-Madison campus. Given the hands-on nature of building, installing, and maintaining scenic elements, this position is not eligible for a flexible work agreement.
Hours are generally scheduled Monday-Friday during standard business hours; evening and weekend work will be required as needed to support scenic event installs, strikes, and live productions.
This position occasionally requires travel to off-site locations.
Driver Authorization
It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Information about UW-Madison Driver Authorization can be found at businessservices.wisc.edu
Key Job Responsibilities:
Department:
Wisconsin Public Media/PBS WI
Compensation:
We anticipate paying $20-22 per hour, with actual pay dependent on qualifications and experience.
Required Qualifications:
  • Hands on carpentry experience
  • Ability to read plans
  • Ability to build scenic or theatrical elements

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience creating construction drawings for designs

Education:
H.S. Diploma Preferred Minimum
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field, either as one combined document, or separate documents.
Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background
Cover Letter (optional) - Refer to your related work experience
Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Contact Information:
Lili Gagliano, lili.gagliano@wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

University of Wisconsin logo

About University of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005


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