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Stage Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Produce high quality renderings for events, scenic stage designs, and product launches * Take a design idea from conceptual mood boards to final design * Model, texture and light all elements ...

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Produce high quality renderings for events, scenic stage designs, and product launches * Take a design idea from conceptual mood boards to final design * Model, texture and light all elements ...

This role shares ownership of projects from initial assignment to final install, ensuring smooth handoffs, accurate documentation, and successful implementation at every stage. The Rhino Designer ...

From guest flows, space layouts, custom design elements, exhibit booths, stage design and mobile experiences, the Spatial Designer focuses on bringing elements to life through floor plans amp; high ...

IBM Data Stage lead Location: Chicago, IL Mode of work: Hybrid - * Years of experience- 6-10 years ... Data Analysis- Analyze business requirements and translate them into technical designs Experience ...

New

Contract Spatial Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55 - $85/hr

From guest flows, space layouts, custom design elements, exhibit booths, stage design and mobile experiences, the Contract Spatial Designer focuses on bringing elements to life through floor plans ...

Graphic Designer

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$60 - $72K/hr

Graphic Designer FLSA: Exempt Job Type: Full-Time Staff Term: Other Staff Work Schedule (hours ... every stage of the creative process. (10%) * Adapt and extend creative assets across multiple ...

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a ... Job Summary Involved with projects from the quote stage to final engineering. Typical projects ...

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a ... Job Summary Involved with projects from the quote stage to final engineering. Typical projects ...

Structural Designer II

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a ... Job Summary Involved with projects from the quote stage to final engineering. Typical projects ...

* Title: UX designer * Location: Chicago, IL (3 Days On-site in a week) * Rate: On c2C * Need ... each stage of a product life cycle, from conception to release, that details the team, thought ...

... a stage of rapid growth and product expansion. We're looking for a Senior Product Designer with ... deep experience designing and shipping high-quality software products. You combine strong product ...

Translate event strategies into high-fidelity designs for digital, environmental, experiential, and marketing touchpoints (e.g., signage, wayfinding, stage design, expo/experiential zones ...

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Showing results 1-20

Stage Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$85.6K

$113.3K

How much do stage designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for stage designer in Chicago, IL is $85,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $112,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

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, building a portfolio, and developing skills in drafting, painting, and computer-aided design (CAD) are essential steps in establishing a career in stage design.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Stage Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Stage Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Stage Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,636 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer 2026

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

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Job description

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer (2 - 5+ Years of Experience)

Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in Lisle, Illinois. Our designs allow clients to experience what their event or product will look and feel like before it’s ever built. We are looking for a strong 3D Designer to help us create stunning presentation visuals and digital assets for the following areas: Set Design, Exhibit Design, Tradeshow Design, Product/Prototype Renderings, Animations, Interior & Exterior Renderings, Mobile Marketing, Graphics & Web design and AR/VR content creation.

Responsibilities

  • Generate creative designs based on project/client needs
  • Produce high quality renderings for events, scenic stage designs, and product launches
  • Take a design idea from conceptual mood boards to final design
  • Model, texture and light all elements involved with the project
  • Understand the varieties of light setups from clean studio renderings to vibrant stage rendering
  • Coordinate with the rest of the project team and Client teams in the execution of the project/assignments
  • Post-production work for final renderings
  • Should be able to manage projects on their own, communicate feedback and direction to and from internal and external teams with support from leadership

Skills and Abilities

  • Proficient in 3D Studio Max (DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DON'T KNOW THIS PROGRAM)
  • Knowledgeable in Unreal (Blueprinting a plus)
  • Can create custom textures and materials for use in models
  • Can dynamically light a scene
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically Photoshop & Illustrator
  • Experience in the event design / tradeshow design industry
  • Proficiency in Office 365 (Word, Excel and Outlook)
  • Ability to effectively meet deadlines
  • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work in team environment

Qualifications

  • 2 to 5 years’ work experience in Event Design, Tradeshow Design, Theater or Architecture is a huge plus.
  • Any programming, C++, or HTML5 experience is not required but is a plus.
  • After Effects for motion graphics creation experience is not required but is a plus.
  • Knowledge of fabrication and tradeshow extrusion systems is not required but is a plus.

Please include a link to your portfolio with your application to be considered. (THIS IS MANDATORY. We need to see what level your skills are at.)

Pulse Studio is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We support diversity in the workforce.

Job Location - Lisle, Illinois.  Ideally you work in our studio but will have flexibility with some days being remote.

Position Type - Contract to start (Hourly) / After 3 months Full Time is possible (Salary)

Our industry is fast paced with quick turnarounds. Our work varies from day to day, occasionally we work late to meet our client’s expectations. Benefits include medical insurance, 401k with employer match, paid holidays, and vacation time.

Company Description

Pulse Studio got our start creating successful branded corporate events, trade-shows and exhibits. We are passionate about creating branded experiential designs from the overall physical experience down to the content you see on each screen. With our backgrounds in architecture, engineering, film and animation we were able to take our clients ideas and turn them into beautiful designs visualized in 3d. This is all created with fresh modern designs while always working with our clients to make sure we are embodying the message and story they want to tell.

Pulse serves as an extension of your design department. We work with our clients and their brand guidelines to create beautiful renderings, still images, custom video content, and motion graphics. We believe in a collaborative process between our clients and producers ensuring their satisfaction with the design and messaging we are creating. We have taken our roots of designing 3-dimensional branding experience and have evolved to help our clients create everything from the physical design down to the graphics, video content and interactive elements.

Our combined experience has created a base for us to understand our clients brands and turn those brands and stories into customer experiences. We are taking that all a step further to push digital content further for our clients. Environmental branding is no longer just a passive experience of showing static images. We want to interact with our content through touchscreens, VR/AR/MR, motion sensors, tablets, social media integration and more. That is just the beginning, every day we are looking at new technology to help our clients engage their customers. The more engaging the experience, the more brand awareness that create. That makes our clients happy and keeps them calling on Pulse for new projects.