Set Design Intern information
See Chicago, IL salary details
$15.26 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.59 - $17.18
28% of jobs
The median wage is $17.87 / hr.
$17.18 - $19.77
16% of jobs
$21.54 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.77 - $22.35
20% of jobs
$22.35 - $24.94
9% of jobs
$24.94 - $27.53
4% of jobs
$27.53 - $30.12
1% of jobs
$30.12 - $32.71
1% of jobs
$32.71 - $35.30
1% of jobs
$35.30 - $37.89
2% of jobs
How much do set design intern jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for set design intern in Chicago, IL is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
As a Set Design Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks that support the design and construction of sets for theater, television, or film productions. Responsibilities often include assisting with drafting set plans, sourcing or organizing materials, creating scale models, and collaborating closely with set designers, carpenters, and production teams. You may also have opportunities to participate in creative brainstorming sessions and attend production meetings, gaining valuable insight into the workflow and challenges of real-world set design. This hands-on experience helps interns build essential skills and a professional portfolio to support future career growth in the field.
To thrive as a Set Design Intern, you need a strong background in art, design principles, and spatial awareness, often supported by coursework in theater, architecture, or visual arts. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as basic model-making tools, is typically expected. Creativity, keen attention to detail, teamwork, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for translating creative concepts into functional, visually compelling sets that support the production’s vision and workflow.
A Set Design Intern assists professional set designers in creating and building the visual environments for theater, film, television, or events. Their responsibilities often include researching design concepts, drafting drawings, sourcing materials, helping build and paint sets, and collaborating with other production departments. This role offers hands-on experience and a chance to learn about the creative and technical aspects of set design. Interns also gain exposure to industry standards and practices while building their portfolios.
What are the most commonly searched types of Set Design jobs in Chicago, IL?
The most popular types of Set Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Set Design Intern jobs in Chicago, IL?
For Set Design Intern jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Set Design Intern jobs in Chicago, IL look for?
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What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Set Design Intern jobs?
Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Set Design Intern job openings:
