1

Set Decorator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role is ideal for an accomplished set decorator, art director, or physical production designer who can combine creative concepting with hands-on, cost-effective execution across our galleries ...

Bakery Cake Decorator

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $30.20/hr

And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry. As a Bakery Decorator, you'll be responsible for all duties related to creating and ...

Cake Decorator - Full Time

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry. As a Bakery Decorator, you'll be responsible for all duties related to creating and ...

Cake Decorator - Full Time

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $30.20/hr

And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry. As a Bakery Decorator, you'll be responsible for all duties related to creating and ...

Cake Decorator - Full Time

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry. As a Bakery Decorator, you'll be responsible for all duties related to creating and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Set Decorator information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do set decorator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for set decorator in California is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a set decorator do?

A set decorator is responsible for selecting, designing, and arranging all the decorative elements that appear on a film, television, or theater set. This includes furniture, lighting, artwork, drapery, and other objects that help create the desired atmosphere and tell the story visually. Set decorators work closely with the production designer and director to ensure that the set’s look aligns with the overall vision. They source, purchase, or rent items, and oversee their placement and maintenance throughout the production. Their work is essential for bringing authenticity and depth to the visual storytelling.

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

To thrive as a Set Decorator, you need a solid understanding of design principles, art history, and spatial organization, often supported by a degree in theater, fine arts, or interior design. Familiarity with design software like SketchUp, budgeting tools, and sourcing systems is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you effectively interpret scripts and work with directors and production teams. These abilities ensure sets are visually compelling, authentic, and support the storytelling vision of the production.

How does a set decorator typically collaborate with other departments on a film or television production?

Set Decorators work closely with Production Designers, Art Directors, and Props Masters to ensure that the visual environment matches the director’s vision and script requirements. They regularly attend meetings with these departments to coordinate design concepts, budget, and scheduling. Collaboration is also essential with the construction and lighting teams, as set dressing must accommodate technical needs and filming logistics. Strong communication and adaptability are key, as changes often occur quickly during production.

What is the difference between Set Decorator vs Art Director?

AspectSet DecoratorArt Director
CredentialsExperience in interior design, decorating, or related fields; often requires a portfolioBackground in art, design, or architecture; may hold a degree in related disciplines
Work EnvironmentWorks on set dressing, selecting and arranging decor itemsOversees overall visual style, including set design and decoration
Industry UsagePrimarily in film, TV, and commercial production for decorating setsInvolved in the visual concept, including set design and decoration

The Set Decorator focuses on selecting and arranging decor elements to bring the set to life, while the Art Director oversees the overall visual style, including set design and decoration. Both roles collaborate closely but have distinct responsibilities within the production process.

How do you become a set decorator?

To become a set decorator, individuals typically gain experience in interior design, art, or related fields, and develop skills in sourcing and arranging props and furnishings. Many start with entry-level positions in production design or set dressing, and building a strong portfolio and industry contacts can help advance to a set decorator role. Knowledge of construction, budgeting, and working with production teams is also beneficial.

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

The most popular types of Set Decorator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Set Decorator jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Set Decorator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Set Decorator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Set Decorator job openings:

Infographic showing various Set Decorator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,034 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Set Director

Beverly Hills, CA


Heritage Auctions
Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 19 rated auctioneers

Paid breaks


$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

Set your sights on a career at Heritage Auctions, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with offices in New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Munich, Germany and other cities. Heritage Auctions is the 3rd largest auction house in the world with 50 different Auction categories including, Entertainment, Popular Culture. Comics, Historical, Jewelry, Fine and Decorative Art, Wine, and many more.


SUMMARY:

Heritage Auctions is seeking a full-time Set Director who can do two things exceptionally well: create the vision for immersive auction preview environments and then physically bring that vision to life. This role is ideal for an accomplished set decorator, art director, or physical production designer who can combine creative concepting with hands-on, cost-effective execution across our galleries, trade shows, pop-ups, and special events worldwide.

The right candidate will transform exceptional offerings in entertainment, popular culture, music, historical, Sports and related categories into compelling physical settings that help clients see, understand, and connect with the items on display.


LOCATION: 9420 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212


BENEFITS:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Paid time off

401k savings plans

Onsite gym with access to a personal trainer

 

COMPENSATION:  $28+/hr based on experience

Requirements

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own both the creative vision and the practical build of large-scale set designs, gallery installations, and experiential displays for auction previews, exhibitions, trade shows, pop-ups, and client events.

Translate auction themes, marquee consignments, and brand priorities into environments that feel elevated, immersive, and commercially effective.

Source, rent, purchase, fabricate, repurpose, install, and dress furnishings, props, scenic materials, lighting accents, graphics, and other display elements.

Work quickly and cost effectively while managing budgets, timelines, logistics, object safety, traffic flow, and installation constraints.

Collaborate with specialists, marketing, events, operations, photography, facilities, shipping, and executives to ensure each installation supports the auction strategy.

Prepare practical production plans, including mood boards, sourcing lists, schedules, vendor coordination, install plans, and strike plans.

Lead on-site installation, dressing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and breakdown, including hands-on building, styling, and problem solving when needed.

Coordinate preview and trade show logistics, including calendar scheduling, vendor and freight scheduling, and day-by-day setup and timelines to ensure an efficient, on-track installation and tear-down.


Required Qualifications

Significant experience in set decoration, art direction, production design, experiential design, visual merchandising, museum/exhibition design, live events, or a comparable physical design production role.

Portfolio showing immersive environments, set builds, gallery displays, themed installations, or production design work.

Strong creative taste, spatial awareness, and visual storytelling ability paired with practical fluency in materials, fabrication, rentals, props, vendors, budgets, schedules, and installation logistics.

Ability to work hands-on, solve problems quickly, and collaborate across internal teams, contractors, vendors, installers, and specialists.

Highly organized, calm under pressure, and able to manage multiple installations, deadlines, and evolving priorities.

Willingness and ability to travel frequently to Heritage offices, galleries, trade shows, pop-ups, and events worldwide.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including data organization, reporting, and spreadsheet management.

Ideal Candidate

Background in film, television, theater, live events, retail environments, museums, brand activations, luxury exhibitions, or traveling installations.

Passion for entertainment, sports, music, popular culture, collectibles, history, design, and the stories behind extraordinary objects.

Comfort working around high-value, fragile, rare, or historically significant material.


What Success Looks Like:

Success in this role means creating memorable, visually striking environments that are logistically sound, cost conscious, and deeply engaging for collectors, consignors, press, and guests-helping Heritage bring extraordinary objects and cultural moments to life.


Heritage Auctions welcomes and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, mature workers, and persons with disabilities. EOE



What Heritage Auctions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom