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Set Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Swaybox Studios

Rhino Designer

New Orleans, LA

Position Summary Swaybox Studios is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Set Layout Designer with strong proficiency in Rhino 3D to join our dynamic production team. The ideal candidate will have a ...

Set Active

Graphic Designer

Beverly Hills, CA

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 ...

Set Active

Graphic Designer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

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 ...

Swaybox Studios

Rhino Designer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Position Summary Swaybox Studios is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Set Layout Designer with strong proficiency in Rhino 3D to join our dynamic production team. The ideal candidate will have a ...

Set Active

Senior Technical Designer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

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 ...

Stella McCartney

... stylists, set designers, illustrators, editors etc Campaign support (under direction of Visual Director & Art Director) Pre-production: development of preproduction documents Post-production ...

Set Active

Senior Technical Designer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

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 ...

Set Active

Director of Operations

Beverly Hills, CA

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 ...

Set Active

Director of Operations

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$145K - $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 ...

Newly Weds Foods- Mt. Pleasant, TX

Set-Ups

Mount Pleasant, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Set-Ups Shift: 3rd (11:00pm - 7:00am) Date Posted: 05/28/26 Date Closes: 06/04/26 @ 8am Job Summary ... It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties ...

Versa Designed Surfaces

Designer

New Albany, IN · On-site

The Designer is expected to create salable wallcovering patterns and colors based on market input ... of skill set. * Travels to trade shows, or on market test trips as representative of VDS.

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How much do set designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for set designer in the United States is $30.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $44.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a set designer get paid?

Set designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the productions they work on. Entry-level set designers may start at lower salaries, while experienced professionals or those working on major projects can earn higher wages. Many set designers also work freelance or on a project basis, which can affect income levels.

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.

Do set designers get paid well?

Set designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the industry they work in, such as theater, film, or television. According to industry data, the median annual wage for set designers is around $50,000 to $70,000, with experienced professionals earning higher salaries, especially in major markets or high-profile productions. Skills in CAD software and a strong portfolio can also influence earning potential.

What qualifications do I need to be a set designer?

To become a set designer, a bachelor's degree in theater design, fine arts, architecture, or a related field is typically required. Strong skills in drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), and knowledge of construction and materials are essential, along with experience in theater, film, or television production. Building a portfolio and gaining practical experience through internships or assistant roles are also important for entry into the profession.

What does a set designer do?

A set designer creates the visual environment for theater, film, or television productions by designing and overseeing the construction of sets. They collaborate with directors and production teams to develop concepts, select materials, and ensure the set aligns with the story and aesthetic. Proficiency in design software and knowledge of construction techniques are essential for the role.

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.
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Set Designer jobs near you

Rhino Designer

Swaybox Studios

New Orleans, LA

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Swaybox Studios is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Set Layout Designer with strong proficiency in Rhino 3D to join our dynamic production team. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in cinematic set design, spatial composition, and visual storytelling, with the ability to conceptualize and build immersive environments using Rhino as a primary modeling and drafting tool.

You will be instrumental in translating storyboards and scripts into tangible set blueprints, 3D layouts, and visual guides that directly inform the fabrication and animation pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with directors, production designers, and storyboard artists to create set layouts that align with the visual and narrative goals of each project.
  • Translate concept art, storyboards, and production notes into Rhino-based technical layouts, blocking, and spatial arrangements.
  • Develop detailed 3D models, set drawings, floor plans, and elevation designs in Rhino 3D, maintaining accuracy for fabrication and animation workflows.
  • Generate scale-accurate models, set pieces, and scene geometry in Rhino for use by Fabrication, Stage/Camera, and Performance teams.
  • Ensure sets are designed with camera angles, character movement, lighting, and puppet/animation scale in mind.
  • Integrate story and visual language to craft environments that enhance character performance and narrative intent.
  • Adjust and revise layouts based on creative feedback, technical constraints, and fabrication requirements.
  • Work closely with model makers, set fabricators, and CG teams to ensure layout feasibility, build accuracy, and production efficiency.
  • Maintain consistency of design style and quality across sequences and shots.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Animation, Film, Illustration, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field-or equivalent professional experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in layout or set design for animation, film, or television.
  • Strong proficiency in Rhino 3D, including modeling, drafting, and preparing files for fabrication.
  • Strong understanding of scale, spatial reasoning, and set geometry, with the ability to accurately translate designs into Rhino-based technical models.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and optimize Rhino files for fabrication, 3D printing, or stage use.
  • Familiarity with additional design or visualization tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, Blender, or Maya).
  • Ability to interpret scripts and storyboards into visually dynamic and practical set designs.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
  • Passion for storytelling and world-building.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience preparing Rhino models for CNC, laser cutting, or other digital fabrication methods.
  • Experience using Rhino alongside other pipelines (e.g., Blender, Maya, Unreal, CAD) and exporting files in compatible formats.
  • Experience with practical set builds or puppetry-based productions.
  • Familiarity with stop-motion or hybrid puppet-animation pipelines.
  • Knowledge of lighting and camera placement for physical or digital sets.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative creative environment.

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