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Stage Designer Jobs (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 ...

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and budgeting skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with directors, designers, stage managers, and technical staff, and a ...

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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 ...

Spatial Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Reporting to the Creative Director, the Spatial Designer works closely with Creative, Production ... Design spatial layouts, stage configurations, and environments for live events and brand ...

Spatial Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

We are currently looking for a Spatial Designer to help shape the physical and spatial experience ... Design spatial layouts, stage configurations, and environments for live events and brand ...

Spatial Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

We are currently looking for a Spatial Designer to help shape the physical and spatial experience ... Design spatial layouts, stage configurations, and environments for live events and brand ...

Tooling Designer

Corry, PA · On-site

$75K/yr

Job Summary The Tooling Designer will design and develop single stage compounds and progressive dies, along with fixtures and gauges, using CAD software (e.g., Auto Desk Inventor, Auto Desk Auto Cad) ...

Project work will be focused on creating site plans, layouts for early-stage designs and single line diagrams. This position is currently a remote or flexible work location with the potential for in ...

Project work will be focused on creating site plans, layouts for early-stage designs and single line diagrams. This position is currently a remote or flexible work location with the potential for in ...

Project work will be focused on creating site plans, layouts for early-stage designs and single line diagrams. This position is currently a remote or flexible work location with the potential for in ...

Project work will be focused on creating site plans, layouts for early-stage designs and single line diagrams. This position is currently a remote or flexible work location with the potential for in ...

Product Designer

Brooklyn, NY · Hybrid

$60 - $75/hr

Founding UX/UI Designer - Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Hybrid) Our client is a well-funded, early-stage biotechnology startup building artificial intelligence-driven drug development platforms. Backed by ...

Showing results 41-60

Stage Designer information

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$35.5K

$83.1K

$110K

How much do stage designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 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.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Stage Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Stage Designer job openings:

What states have the most Stage Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Stage Designer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Stage Designer jobs?

For Stage Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Stage Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer 2026

Chicago, IL • On-site

PULSE STUDIO, LLC
Specialized Design Services • 11 - 50 employees

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 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.