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Set Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Technical Director/Set Designer/Stagecraft Teacher Reports to: DEPARTMENT CHAIR Manager: PRINCIPAL Departments: Visual and Performing Arts Department Broad Function: de Toledo High School, a vibrant ...

About SET Active SET Active brings ease and confidence to everyday movement through thoughtfully designed athleisure that transitions seamlessly from active moments to everything in between. SET ...

The Apparel Designer supports the Product Design team in bringing SET Active's seasonal vision to life through thoughtful, trend-forward execution. This role works closely with the Senior Product ...

Apparel Designer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Apparel Designer supports the Product Design team in bringing SET Active's seasonal vision to life through thoughtful, trend-forward execution. This role works closely with the Senior Product ...

About SET Active SET Active is a fast-paced, growing women's athleisure startup known for delivering elevated everyday essentials designed for movement, comfort, and lifestyle. We're a small but ...

About SET Active SET Active is a fast-paced, growing women's athleisure startup known for delivering elevated everyday essentials designed for movement, comfort, and lifestyle. We're a small but ...

About SET Active SET creates athleisure designed for what's next. Founded on the belief that style and comfort shouldn't be mutually exclusive, the brand offers versatile pieces that transition ...

Director of Operations

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

About SET Active SET creates athleisure designed for what's next. Founded on the belief that style and comfort shouldn't be mutually exclusive, the brand offers versatile pieces that transition ...

Summary The CNC Set-Up Technician is responsible for performing set-ups on CNC mills and lathes ... The Company is primarily engaged in designing and manufacturing not only extruded plastic ...

Designer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...

Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...

Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...

Designer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...

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Set Designer information

See California salary details

$13

$30

$54

How much do set designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for set designer in California is $30.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $43.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Set Designer?

A set designer’s duties are focused on creating the overall scenery and set design for films, TV shows, and stage performances. They are involved in the creative process, the construction process, and the management of personnel and resources to complete the project. The set designer must work with other artists, like directors and producers, to get an understanding of the concepts needed for production. It’s the set designer’s job to bring together the design according to the script while working with the production team to ensure it is within the budget.

How does a Set Designer typically collaborate with directors and other creative team members during a production?

Set Designers work closely with directors, costume designers, lighting designers, and other creative professionals to ensure the visual elements of a production align with the overall artistic vision. Collaboration often begins with concept meetings, where ideas are discussed and initial sketches are reviewed. Throughout the process, Set Designers attend rehearsals, provide updates, and adapt designs based on feedback or logistical constraints. Open communication and flexibility are key, as designs may need to evolve to suit changing production needs or new creative insights.

What does a Set Designer do?

A Set Designer is responsible for creating the physical surroundings in which a play, film, television show, or other production takes place. They collaborate closely with directors, producers, and other members of the creative team to design sets that support the story and vision of the project. This includes researching, sketching, building models, and overseeing the construction and decoration of the set. Set Designers must balance creativity with practical considerations like budget, safety, and time constraints. Their work helps immerse the audience in the world of the production.

What is the difference between Set Designer vs Scenic Artist?

AspectSet DesignerScenic Artist
CredentialsTypically holds a degree in theater, design, or related fieldOften has art or painting background, sometimes with theater experience
Work EnvironmentDesigns and plans the overall look of the set, collaborates with directors and designersFocuses on painting and finishing set pieces, working closely with set designers
Industry UsageCommonly employed in theater, film, and television productionPrimarily found in theater and film industries for set finishing

The Set Designer creates the visual concept and layout of the set, while the Scenic Artist brings that vision to life through painting and finishing. Both roles are essential in production, but they focus on different stages of the set creation process.

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

To thrive as a Set Designer, you need strong artistic ability, knowledge of spatial design, and typically a degree in theater design, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with model-making and construction techniques, is essential. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for translating directors' visions and working with production teams. These competencies ensure visually compelling, functional sets that support storytelling and the overall success of a production.
What are the most commonly searched types of Set Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Set Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Set Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Set Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Set Designer jobs in CA? For Set Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Set Designer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,230 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Technical Director/Set Designer/Stagecraft Teacher

Technical Director/Set Designer/Stagecraft Teacher

DeToledo High School

West Hills, CA • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

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Job description

Technical Director/Set Designer/Stagecraft Teacher 


Reports to:                 DEPARTMENT CHAIR 

Manager:                    PRINCIPAL 

Departments:             Visual and Performing Arts Department 


Broad Function:

de Toledo High School, a vibrant and innovative independent high school, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Technical Director/Set Designer/Stagecraft Teacher for a position beginning in August 2026. The candidate must demonstrate excellent technical and design skills and a passion for directing the technical elements of school events and teaching stagecraft. A strong candidate will have a passion for helping bring program directors’ visions to life in shows and other events. The candidate will also have a love for inspiring students to step outside their comfort zones to assist with the technical elements of those events.


Responsibilities:

  • Serve as Technical Director and Set Designer of all school arts and dance events, assemblies, and special events.
  • Teach one class of Stagecraft PE. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·         Enthusiasm for the mission and vision of de Toledo High School and a strong commitment to embrace and promote its culture. 

·         Experience as Technical Director/Set Designer/Stagecraft Teacher. 

·         Candidates should have knowledge of the skills needed to design and construct sets, operate and oversee lighting and sound setups/production, create and maintain production schedules, complete tasks on deadline, and consult and collaborate with program directors. Must have experience creating and maintaining budgets pertaining to event productions as well as overseeing professionals contracted (either by the program directors or by the Technical Director) to do support work for events. 

·         For the Stagecraft PE portion of the position, candidates must be able to teach foundational skills for the previously mentioned elements and oversee students during technical run-throughs and productions. In addition, candidates must be able to instruct students in developing ideas and solving problems. 

·         B.A. or higher equivalent degree in Technical Theatre, Theatrical Production, or related field.

·         Must be flexible, highly professional, eager to evolve as an event professional and educator, and enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment.

·         Demonstrate ability to teach with a variety of modalities to reach different learning styles.

·         Ability to communicate with high school students.

·         Strong interpersonal and communication skills with people at all levels and in all settings.

·         Self-motivating, self-confident. 

·         Willing communicator and collaborator; enthusiastic team player.

·         Unquestionable personal integrity, excellent judgment, sound instincts, diplomacy, and patience.

Salary Range: $85,000-$100,000 DOE with Outstanding Benefits

Must be authorized to work in the United States.


Qualified candidates regardless of faith are encouraged to email a cover letter and resume.

Company Description

About de Toledo High School
Founded in 2002, de Toledo High School (formerly New Community Jewish High School) is an independent Jewish community high school located in West Hills, CA. It is a vibrant and academically rigorous school community where intellectual imagination and ethical action are inseparable. We seek to shape students into persons of character who will be respectful, knowledgeable, and collaborative leaders who conduct themselves in accordance with ethical standards. At dTHS, every student may strive to be both an A+ student and an A+ human being. Our mission is to raise a new generation of Jewish leaders for whom Jewish values and tradition shape and guide their vision and for whom knowledge creates possibilities for moral action, good character and shalom. For more information, please visit www.dths.org.