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Set designer vs set decorator

The differences between set designers and set decorators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a set designer and a set decorator. Additionally, a set decorator has an average salary of $58,487, which is higher than the $57,970 average annual salary of a set designer.

The top three skills for a set designer include set design, art direction and photography. The most important skills for a set decorator are art direction, set design, and film production.

Set designer vs set decorator overview

Set DesignerSet Decorator
Yearly salary$57,970$58,487
Hourly rate$27.87$28.12
Growth rate3%1%
Number of jobs49,1023,544
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

Set designer vs set decorator salary

Set designers and set decorators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Set DesignerSet Decorator
Average salary$57,970$58,487
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $94,000Between $32,000 And $104,000
Highest paying CityNew Windsor, NY-
Highest paying stateNew Jersey-
Best paying companyStanley Black & Decker-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between set designer and set decorator education

There are a few differences between a set designer and a set decorator in terms of educational background:

Set DesignerSet Decorator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorFine ArtsPhotography
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Set designer vs set decorator demographics

Here are the differences between set designers' and set decorators' demographics:

Set DesignerSet Decorator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 49.5% Female, 50.5%Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 11.4% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 2.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 11.4% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between set designer and set decorator duties and responsibilities

Set designer example responsibilities.

  • Develop UNIX shell scripts to automate file manipulation and data loading process.
  • Develop marketing and brand awareness initiatives through social media outlets; create and manage company Facebook and Houzz profiles.
  • Used PL/SQL for writing procedures and triggers.
  • Trouble-Shout, reload and reject records using DTS, SQL scripts.
  • Create stored procedures, functions, packages, views and triggers using PL/SQL.
  • Project entail building a Halloween store set for the movie team in Cleveland area.
    • Show more

Set decorator example 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.
  • Demonstrate skillful communication and negotiation skills.

Set designer vs set decorator skills

Common set designer skills
  • Set Design, 36%
  • Art Direction, 17%
  • Photography, 9%
  • CAD, 6%
  • Graphic Design, 6%
  • Concept Development, 5%
Common set decorator skills
  • Art Direction, 38%
  • Set Design, 36%
  • Film Production, 25%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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