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Stage Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TecTammina

UX Designer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Enforce early-stage designs to usability testing or expert review In-depth knowledge of user interface best practices and standards. Develop wireframes, behavioral specifications Additional ...

La Jolla Playhouse

$17.75/hr

This apprenticeship is designed for early career stage managers who want to deepen their skills in a professional, fast paced regional theatre environment. Apprentices receive mentorship from ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Stage Manager

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$27.50 - $28.50/hr

Stage managers work closely with guest actors, directors and designers, resident faculty, graduate students studying acting, technical design and production, and costume construction, as well as ...

El Centro Milagro

Season43 Stage Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

Key Responsibilities: * scheduling and running rehearsals. * communicating the director's wishes to designers and crafts people. * coordinating the work of the stage crew. * calling cues, running ...

El Centro Milagro

Season43 Stage Manager

Portland, OR

$17.50/hr

Key Responsibilities: * scheduling and running rehearsals. * communicating the director's wishes to designers and crafts people. * coordinating the work of the stage crew. * calling cues, running ...

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Stage Designer information

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$35.5K

$83.1K

$110K

How much do stage designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for stage designer in the United States is $83,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do stage designers earn?

Stage designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and project scope, but they typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually. Experienced designers working on large productions or in major markets can earn higher wages, and proficiency with design software like CAD is often required.

How do you become a stage designer?

To become a stage designer, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in theater design, set design, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or assistant roles, developing skills in drawing, model-making, and familiarity with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp are important steps in building a career in stage design.

What is the difference between Stage Designer vs Set Designer?

AspectStage DesignerSet Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in theater, design, or related fieldOften requires a degree in theater, architecture, or interior design
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily on live theater, concerts, and performancesWorks on film, television, and theatrical productions
Industry UsageCommonly used in theater and live performance industriesCommonly used in film, TV, and stage productions

While both Stage Designer and Set Designer create visual environments, the Stage Designer focuses on designing the overall stage layout for live performances, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal. The Set Designer, on the other hand, primarily designs the physical scenery and backgrounds for theater, film, or TV productions. Their roles often overlap, but their specific focus and work environments differ.

What are some common challenges Stage Designers face when working on live productions?

Stage Designers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with budgetary or technical constraints, adapting designs to different venues, and collaborating with directors and other departments like lighting, sound, and costumes. Meeting tight deadlines and making real-time adjustments during rehearsals are also common aspects of the role. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are crucial to navigate these challenges and deliver visually compelling and practical stage environments.

What jobs can DT get you?

A stage designer can pursue jobs such as theatrical set designer, event designer, or production designer, working in theaters, TV studios, or live event venues. These roles involve creating visual environments, often requiring skills in CAD software, understanding of stage mechanics, and collaboration with directors and producers.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI is increasingly used as a tool to assist stage designers in tasks such as visualizing concepts, creating digital models, and automating repetitive processes. However, the creative and interpretive aspects of stage design still require human expertise, making AI a complement rather than a replacement for designers. Successful stage designers often integrate AI tools with traditional skills to enhance their work.

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

To thrive as a Stage Designer, you need a solid background in set design, spatial awareness, visual arts, and often a degree in theater design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of stagecraft and lighting systems, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and strong communication skills set outstanding stage designers apart. These skills ensure effective realization of artistic visions, smooth coordination with production teams, and the creation of impactful stage environments.

What does a stage designer do?

A stage designer, also known as a set designer, is responsible for creating the visual environment of a theater production, concert, or event. They design sets, props, and sometimes lighting to help bring the director’s vision to life and enhance the storytelling. Stage designers collaborate closely with directors, costume designers, and lighting designers to ensure all visual elements work together. Their work includes sketching ideas, building models, selecting materials, and overseeing the construction and installation of sets.
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Stage Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stage Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.
German Theater Stage Designer/Set Builder

German Theater Stage Designer/Set Builder

Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Middlebury College rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 538 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The German Summer Language School at Middlebury College in Vermont (USA) is hiring for a full-time stage designer/ set builder to support the School's co-curricular German language opera and German play (two productions) in summer 2020 (July 1st - August 15th 2020). Since budgets for these productions are very small, we are looking for somebody who can create basic (movable) but efficient designs, in close collaboration with the productions' directors and technical staff, and who will be able to build one of them on site. Production titles will be announced in spring.
The German Summer Language School is a total immersion German summer language academy, welcoming university students and adult learners to our Vermont campus for seven weeks each summer. Founded in 1915, it is the longest-running summer language program in the country, and it has been designated an AATG Center of Excellence in 2013. Students learn under Middlebury's trademark Language Pledge (=they are not allowed to use any other language than German for the duration of the program), and all employees of the School are required to adhere to this Pledge when with students.
In addition to the salary, lodging and a complete meal plan will be provided.
Access to all of the College's sports and cultural facilities and activities (sports complex, concerts, museum etc.)
Full participation in the German School's daily life, and Insurance is available.
Qualifications
  • native or near-native German speaker
  • working proficiency in English
  • at least two productions as lead designer/ builder (please provide portfolio)
  • ability to work under high pressure and respond to short-notice changes
  • ideally: experience with theater in an educational context

Application Instructions
Candidates should submit: letter of interest, CV, your artistic portfolio and a letter of reference that speaks to your abilities. Only complete applications, submitted via Interfolio, will be considered.
Application deadline is February 21, 2020, but the positions will be open until filled. This position is for 2020 summer only.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Middlebury College is a top-tier liberal arts college with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in faculty teaching and research. An Equal Opportunity Employer, the College is committed to hiring a diverse faculty as we work to foster innovation in our curriculum and to provide a rich and varied educational experience to our increasingly diverse student body. EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability.

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