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Scenic Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Scenic Fabrication Project Manager Summary of Position: We are looking for qualified Project Managers to help with technical design, coordination with fabrication through installation and strike, for ...

Scenic Fabricator

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Fabricate scenic elements in collaboration with fabricators, sculptors, painters, carpenters, and project leads. * Build, prepare, and maintain molds, tooling, patterns, armatures, bucks, and forms.

Scenic Fabricator

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Fabricate scenic elements in collaboration with fabricators, sculptors, painters, carpenters, and project leads. * Build, prepare, and maintain molds, tooling, patterns, armatures, bucks, and forms.

We're looking for an experienced scenic carpenter / fabricator (or a small team) to help bring these environments to life with high-quality fabrication and installation support. Duration: ~18 weeks ...

Scenic Carpenter - Overhire

Richmond, CA ยท On-site

$29.20 - $33.58/hr

Overview of the Scenic Carpenter Overhire The Scenic Carpenter Overhire is a casual temporary role that supports the Set Building Team to meet production requirements while maintaining a safe ...

Scenic Painter - Overhire

Richmond, CA ยท On-site

$29.20 - $33.58/hr

Overview of the Scenic Painter Overhire The Scenic Painter Overhire is a casual temporary role that supports the Set Building Team to meet production requirements while maintaining a safe, positive ...

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Scenic information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$57.8K

$67.6K

How much do scenic jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for scenic in California is $57,783.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scenic do?

A Scenic, also known as a Scenic Artist or Set Painter, is responsible for painting, texturing, and finishing the surfaces of sets and scenery in theater, film, television, or live events. They use a variety of artistic techniques to create realistic or stylized environments based on the designer's vision. Scenics work closely with set designers and construction teams to ensure that the visual elements of a production look authentic and meet the creative requirements. Their work may include painting backdrops, aging materials, creating faux finishes, and applying murals or graphics to set pieces.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a scenic artist?

To excel as a Scenic Artist, you need strong artistic skills including painting, texturing, and color theory, often supported by a background in fine arts or theater production. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as airbrushes, scenic paints, and digital design software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with production teams are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure that sets and backdrops meet design specifications, contribute to storytelling, and enhance the overall visual impact of a production.

What challenges does a scenic face when working on live theater productions?

Scenics working on live theater productions often encounter tight deadlines and last-minute design changes, requiring flexibility and strong problem-solving skills. Collaboration with set designers, carpenters, and lighting teams is key, as adjustments may need to be made quickly to accommodate technical or artistic shifts. Additionally, Scenics must ensure that all painted and constructed elements are durable enough to withstand multiple performances while maintaining visual quality under various lighting conditions.

What is the difference between Scenic vs Lighting Designer?

AspectScenicLighting Designer
Primary FocusDesigning physical scenery and set piecesDesigning lighting effects and illumination
CredentialsSet design, theater arts, or related fieldsLighting design, theater arts, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentTheater, film, television, live eventsTheater, concerts, live events, film
Tools & SkillsSketching, model making, set constructionLighting software, electrical knowledge, color theory

While both Scenic and Lighting Designer roles are essential in theater and live productions, Scenic Designers focus on creating the physical environment, whereas Lighting Designers specialize in lighting effects to enhance mood and visibility. Both roles require collaboration and creative skills but differ in their technical expertise and focus areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scenic jobs in California?

The most popular types of Scenic jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Scenic jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Scenic jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Scenic jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Scenic jobs?

Cities in California with the most Scenic job openings:

Infographic showing various Scenic job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,783 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Scenic Arts Craftsperson, Senior | Part-Time | SeaWorld San Diego

Seaworldentertainment

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

What you get to do:

  • Perform duties and responsibilities at a general level of proficiency with an understanding and demonstration of basic theatrical technical skills.
  • Scenic painting and preparation of scenic elements and properties for all related events, as assigned.
  • Troubleshooting, maintenance and/or repair of all scenic elements, properties, equipment and hardware.
  • Support Park wide special events with set up and strike or scenic elements, as needed.
  • Perform daily venue specific maintenance, operation, start-up and shut-down procedures, as assigned.
  • Perform warehouse prep and maintenance and other behind the scene duties for entertainment shows and/or events.
  • Perform all duties as directed by leadership for the good of the department and park.
  • Communicate with fellow technicians to share necessary schedule changes, show changes, and other details pertaining to daily operational duties.
  • Work as part of a team to increase productivity while providing excellent guest service.
  • Responsible for guest, personal and animal safety by bringing potentially dangerous situations to the attention of the leadership.
  • Maintain park cleanliness, maintenance and safety standards through all assigned tasks.
  • Consistently demonstrate courteous and professional behavior in all work aspects with all team members and guests. Demonstrating respect for their fellow employees, performers and animals.
  • Develop a professional approach to the career and function as a team member showing consideration, tolerance, cooperation, reliability and the ability to accept criticism.
  • Practice safety as it pertains to SEA Best Practices and Rigging Standards and all other relevant industry guidelines. Safe work habits including, but not limited to, the use of personal protective equipment, pass a respirator fit test, lifting and reporting of unsafe situations.
  • Must be willing to comply with all SEA grooming guidelines and employment standards.
  • Adhere to all SeaWorld and departmental policies.
  • Develops an awareness of guest satisfaction with the product.

What it takes to succeed:

  • Must be 18 years in all safety critical positions.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Must be physically capable of working at heights (catwalks, boom lifts, man lifts, etc.)., lifting 50 lbs. or more, and working comfortably around water.
  • Must be willing to walk and stand for long periods of time in extreme weather conditions.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that includes weekdays, weekends, evenings and holidays
  • Must be able to multitask while maintaining a positive attitude to ensure excellent guest service.
  • Ability to obtain a driver's license and pass company test order to operate company vehicles.
  • Basic knowledge of theatrical, artistic, and production painting, fiber glass and the application of specialty coatings.
  • Must have a want to grow as an individual as well as a member of our Entertainment Work Shops team. Making use of available training, resources and opportunities throughout your career to develop and continue to grow professionally.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience as Scenic builder, painter or equivalent work experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of basic rigging, as it relates to theatrical installation.
  • Ability to paint a set or prop from an approved design with color elevation. Ability to custom mix and match color.
  • Ability to apply scenic paint techniques (Dutchman, canvas sizing) to set and property elements.
  • Knowledge of mold making and sculpting preferred.
  • Knowledge of advanced tools, paint applications, specialty coatings (sanders, fiberglass resins, foam coat, airless sprayers and compressors).
  • Experience or have equivalent work experience operating and maintaining multiple venues simultaneously throughout a seasonal atmosphere.

Compensation: 25.20 USD Hourly

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.