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Temporary Scenic Carpenter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scenic Production Assistant

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Temporary (Fixed Term) Job Profile: Stagehand TE Job Summary: PBS Wisconsin, a service of Wisconsin ... This is a carpentry-focused, hands-on role: most of the work involves framing, cutting, assembling ...

Freelance Production Carpenter

Somerville, MA ยท On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

We are currently hiring for multiple temporary, part-time, and freelance positions, including ... Build scenic structures, platforms, walls, arches, and props using wood, metal, foam, or other ...

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Proman Skilled Trades is seeking skilled Event Carpenters / Scenic Builders who blend structural expertise with architectural refinement. You will build safe, multi-level temporary structures and ...

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We install scenic and technical elements such as staging, lighting, sound, temporary structures ... Finish Carpenters What You'll Need * Prior experience in live events, scenic installs, or ...

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Freelance Production Carpentry Crew

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$28.75 - $36/hr

We install scenic and technical elements such as staging, lighting, sound, temporary structures ... Finish Carpenters What You'll Need * Prior experience in live events, scenic installs, or ...

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Temporary Scenic Carpenter information

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$14

$25

$35

How much do temporary scenic carpenter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary scenic carpenter in the United States is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary scenic carpenter?

Temporary Scenic Carpenters are skilled professionals who construct, assemble, and sometimes dismantle sets and scenery for theater, film, television, or live events on a short-term or project-specific basis. They work closely with set designers and technical directors to bring creative visions to life, ensuring all structures are safe and meet production requirements. Their contracts typically last for the duration of a specific production or event, making their work both dynamic and time-sensitive. Temporary Scenic Carpenters use a variety of materials and tools, requiring both technical skill and creative problem-solving abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary scenic carpenter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Scenic Carpenter, you need strong carpentry skills, proficiency in set construction techniques, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, typically supported by relevant experience or vocational training. Familiarity with power tools, hand tools, and reading technical drawings or blueprints is essential, and OSHA safety certification is often preferred. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with designers and production crews under tight deadlines. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality construction of stage sets for live events and productions.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary scenic carpenters when working on fast-paced productions?

Temporary Scenic Carpenters often encounter tight deadlines and last-minute design changes, which require adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. They must work efficiently as part of a larger team, coordinating with designers, painters, and stage managers to ensure sets are built safely and accurately. Additionally, frequent transitions between projects mean quickly learning new workflows and safety protocols for each venue. Flexibility and clear communication are key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Temporary Scenic Carpenter vs Scenic Carpenter?

AspectTemporary Scenic CarpenterScenic Carpenter
CredentialsTypically requires carpentry experience, safety certifications, and sometimes specialized scenic or theatrical trainingSimilar credentials, often with additional experience in scenic design or theatrical construction
Work EnvironmentTemporary setups for events, tours, or productions; often short-term projectsLonger-term scenic construction for theaters, studios, or permanent installations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by event companies, touring productions, and temporary venuesCommon in theater, film, and television industries

Temporary Scenic Carpenters focus on short-term scenic construction for events and productions, while Scenic Carpenters typically work on longer-term projects within theaters or studios. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but differ mainly in project duration and work setting.

More about Temporary Scenic Carpenter jobs

What cities are hiring for Temporary Scenic Carpenter jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary Scenic Carpenter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Scenic Carpenter jobs?

The most popular types of Scenic Carpenter jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary Scenic Carpenter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Scenic Carpenter jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Scenic Carpenter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Scenic Carpenter jobs are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Scenic Carpenter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,115 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Scenic Production Assistant

Wisconsin

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Part-time

This job post hasย expired 3 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:University StaffEmployment Type:Temporary (Fixed Term)Job Profile:Stagehand TEJob Summary:

PBS Wisconsin, a service of Wisconsin Public Media, is hiring a Scenic Production Assistant to build the studio sets and props seen in its television productions. This is a carpentry-focused, hands-on role: most of the work involves framing, cutting, assembling, and finishing scenic elements in the shop, then installing and striking them in the studio or on location for special events.

Beyond the build itself, this position collaborates with the lead scenic designer to plan, design, and furnish productions. Keeps tools, equipment, and storage areas clean, organized, and accurately inventoried, using the existing inventory database.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in building, installing, and taking down scenic sets and props for studio and remote productions and events.

  • Keep the scene shop and storage areas clean, organized, and free of clutter

  • Maintain accurate inventories and records of scenic equipment and properties

  • Other scenic and production-related responsibilities as assigned.

This position reports to the lead scenic designer.

We're especially looking for someone with hands-on carpentry experience - comfortable running shop tools, reading plans, and building scenic or theatrical elements from the ground up. Being able to create construction drawings for designs is a plus but not required

This position is classified under UW-Madison's Stagehand TE standard job title (Job Code TE012, Temporary Employee category), with the working title of Scenic Production Assistant.

This is a part-time (50%), non-exempt, hourly appointment with a one year term

The successful candidate can anticipate working an average of 20 hours per week, with some weeks being more and some less depending on production schedules and deadlines.

This position works on-site at PBS Wisconsin's studios at Vilas Communication Hall on the UW-Madison campus. Given the hands-on nature of building, installing, and maintaining scenic elements, this position is not eligible for a flexible work agreement.

Hours are generally scheduled Monday-Friday during standard business hours; evening and weekend work will be required as needed to support scenic event installs, strikes, and live productions.

This position occasionally requires travel to off-site locations.

Driver Authorization

It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Information about UW-Madison Driver Authorization can be found at businessservices.wisc.edu

Key Job Responsibilities:Department:

Wisconsin Public Media/PBS WI

Compensation:

We anticipate paying $20-22 per hour, with actual pay dependent on qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications:
  • Hands on carpentry experience
  • Ability to read plans
  • Ability to build scenic or theatrical elements
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience creating construction drawings for designs
Education:

H.S. Diploma Preferred Minimum

How to Apply:

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field, either as one combined document, or separate documents.

Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background

Cover Letter (optional) - Refer to your related work experience

Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Contact Information:

Lili Gagliano, lili.gagliano@wisc.edu

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.


The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.


To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.


Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.