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Theater Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The King's Academy

Theatre Costume Designer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$6.0K/yr

Job Title : Theatre Costume Designer Job Status : Part-Time, Seasonal Exempt Status : Non-Exempt, Piece Rate Department : Visual and Performing Arts Reports to : VPA Specialist Job Summary TKA is a ...

Chess

Temporary Theater Technician

San Jose, CA

$18.54/hr

Designs and participates in all aspects of stage production. * Provides service to vendors. * Provides technical theater students with training in the use of technical equipment. * Provides support ...

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Theater Designer information

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$35.5K

$83.1K

$110K

How much do theater designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for theater 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 theatre set designers get paid?

Theatre set designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scale of productions. Salaries can vary for freelance designers and those working on large or commercial projects, with some earning higher wages based on reputation and portfolio.

How much do theater designers make?

Theater designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the scope of productions, but they typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually. Experienced designers working on large productions or in major markets can earn higher salaries, especially if they have specialized skills in set, costume, or lighting design. Many theater designers also supplement income through freelance work or teaching.

What is the difference between Theater Designer vs Scenic Designer?

AspectTheater DesignerScenic Designer
CredentialsTypically holds a degree in theater, design, or related fieldUsually has a background in theater, fine arts, or design with similar educational requirements
Work EnvironmentWorks on overall visual and conceptual elements of a production, including costumes, lighting, and set designFocuses primarily on designing the physical scenery and backdrops for the stage
Industry UsageUsed across theater, film, and television productionsPrimarily used in theater and stage productions

Theater Designer is a broad role encompassing various visual aspects of a production, including scenery, costumes, and lighting. Scenic Designer specifically refers to the person responsible for designing the physical scenery and stage environment. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in the theater industry, the Theater Designer has a wider scope, whereas the Scenic Designer specializes in stage scenery.

What does a designer do in theatre?

A theatre designer creates the visual and aesthetic elements of a production, including sets, costumes, lighting, and projections. They collaborate with directors and other creative team members to develop concepts that support the story and mood of the performance, often using design software and attending rehearsals to ensure cohesion. Strong artistic skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to work within budgets and schedules are essential for this role.

How do you become a theater designer?

To become a theater designer, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in theater design, stage design, or a related field, gaining skills in set construction, drafting, and computer-aided design (CAD). Gaining experience through internships or assistant roles and building a strong portfolio are essential steps to establish a career in theater design.
More about Theater Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Theater Designer jobs? Cities with the most Theater Designer job openings:
What states have the most Theater Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Theater Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Theater Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Theater Designer jobs are:
Theater Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theater Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.
School Theatrical Designers

School Theatrical Designers

Scheck Hillel Community School

Miami, FL • On-site

$3.0K - $5.0K/wk

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago

New

Job description

Theatrical Designers: Set, Lighting, Costumes, Props (Seasonal)
Scheck Hillel Community School, a private school in Aventura FL (Miami area) seeks experienced theatrical designers for its upcoming productions of "Shrek the Musical" (performs February 14-21, 2027) and "Beauty and the Beast Jr" (performs April 7-12, 2027). The open positions are Set Designer, Costume Designer/Costumer, Lighting Designer, and Props Lead. Ideally, candidates will be available to perform their role for both productions.
Responsibilities
  • Analyze script and conduct research to understand story, themes, characters, settings, style, etc.
  • Collaborate with the director and team to develop a cohesive look and feel for the show.
  • Develop specific design ideas that meet the needs of the story, support the Director's vision, and are achievable with the available resources (time, personnel, infrastructure, budget).
  • Identify steps for executing designs, providing relevant documentation, instructions and guidance to relevant adult and student staff.
  • Participate in execution and realization of designs (involvement varies by role).

Requirements
  • Success serving in similar roles in previous productions. Experience working in a youth or educational theatre context, as well as non-traditional spaces, is highly desirable.
  • Local (South Florida) residence; we are unable to underwrite travel or lodging.
  • Availability for design meetings, work calls, tech/dress rehearsals (varies by role).
  • Absolute reliability/dependability.
  • Collegial, open-minded and flexible team player.

Compensation: Flat fee ranging from $3000 to $5000 per role; independent contractor status.
To apply: Interested candidates should provide a resumé, access to portfolio from past/similar gigs, and contact info for two professional references who can speak directly to the candidate's qualifications for the position. Scheck Hillel is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply