Post job

What is a set builder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a set builder. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.38 an hour? That's $34,074 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 2% and produce 20,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSet BuilderUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,074

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.14%

Asian 1.62%

Black or African American 7.38%

Hispanic or Latino 23.19%

Unknown 4.68%

White 61.99%

Gender

female 21.62%

male 78.38%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Set builder career paths

Key steps to become a set builder

  1. Explore set builder education requirements

    Most common set builder degrees

    Bachelor's

    54.8 %

    High School Diploma

    17.5 %

    Associate

    15.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific set builder skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Nail Guns45.48%
    Art Directors31.65%
    Theater Productions11.58%
    General Maintenance11.29%
  3. Complete relevant set builder training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New set builders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a set builder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real set builder resumes.
  4. Research set builder duties and responsibilities

    • Modify existing client websites with new HTML and CSS to achieve stakeholder requirements.
    • Run forklift, bobcat, and do anything to get tank build.
    • Direct cranes, work with large equipment and machinery such as JLG's and forklifts.
    • Work on various pieces of furniture, walls and the like to hang costumes and other accessories on.
  5. Apply for set builder jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a set builder job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first set builder job

Zippi

Are you a set builder?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average set builder salary

The average set builder salary in the United States is $34,074 per year or $16 per hour. Set builder salaries range between $23,000 and $48,000 per year.

Average set builder salary
$34,074 Yearly
$16.38 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do set builders rate their job?

Working as a set builder? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse construction and extraction jobs