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What is a set decorator 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 decorator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $28.12 an hour? That's $58,487 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 800 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSet DecoratorUS Average
Salary
4.6

Avg. Salary $58,487

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.6

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 11.38%

Black or African American 2.79%

Hispanic or Latino 10.03%

Unknown 4.75%

White 70.65%

Gender

female 61.62%

male 38.38%

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
5.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.3

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Set decorator career paths

Key steps to become a set decorator

  1. Explore set decorator education requirements

    Most common set decorator degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.7 %

    Associate

    14.0 %

    Master's

    7.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific set decorator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Art Direction38.33%
    Set Design36.29%
    Film Production25.38%
  3. Research set decorator duties and responsibilities

    • Develop UNIX shell scripts to automate file manipulation and data loading process.
    • Obtain and distribute costumes, props, music, and studio equipment need to complete productions.
    • Design, create, and acquire all costumes for actors and extras, within strict budgets, and tight schedules.
    • Design commercial photography sets base on client marketing parameters and feature products.
  4. Prepare your set decorator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your set decorator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a set decorator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable set decorator resume templates

    Build a professional set decorator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your set decorator resume.
    Set Decorator Resume
    Set Decorator Resume
    Set Decorator Resume
    Set Decorator Resume
    Set Decorator Resume
    Set Decorator Resume
    Set Decorator Resume
    Set Decorator Resume
    Set Decorator Resume
  5. Apply for set decorator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a set decorator 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 decorator job

Zippi

Are you a set decorator?

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Average set decorator salary

The average set decorator salary in the United States is $58,487 per year or $28 per hour. Set decorator salaries range between $32,000 and $104,000 per year.

Average set decorator salary
$58,487 Yearly
$28.12 hourly

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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.

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