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Job outlook for stage set designers in the United States
Are stage set designer jobs in demand?
Stage set designer job and salary trends over time
Stage set designer jobs over time
Stage set designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 333 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 534 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 585 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 515 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 558 | 0.00% |
Average stage set designer salary over time
Stage set designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $64,034 | $30.79 | +6.6% |
| 2024 | $60,094 | $28.89 | +0.6% |
| 2023 | $59,731 | $28.72 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $58,432 | $28.09 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $56,121 | $26.98 | +2.9% |
Stage set designer jobs by state
Most common states for stage set designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 186 | 27% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 680 | 9% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 363 | 9% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 538 | 8% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 592 | 7% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 88 | 7% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,541 | 6% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 617 | 6% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 332 | 6% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 326 | 6% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 199 | 6% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,025 | 5% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 598 | 5% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 312 | 5% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 300 | 5% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 165 | 5% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 95 | 5% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 63 | 5% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 56 | 5% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 29 | 5% |
Stage Set Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of stage set designer experts
Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
Albion College
What general advice would you give to a Stage Set Designer?
Abby Guido: We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.
Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Stage Set Designer job market given the pandemic?
Lisa TenHulzen: This is a big question. Because of the financial strains the pandemic has placed on the entertainment industry, I suspect we will see trends towards smaller cast shows as well as simpler productions, overall. I believe this will help to ease some of the financial burdens a large cast and crew can place on a theatre, as well as help ease the audience back into a sense of security. Depending on the location of the production, an audience might not feel comfortable attending a large-scale performance. Smaller shows lend themselves better to smaller audiences. All of this to say, I believe theatre jobs will be in short supply for quite some time. At least until theatres are able to make up some of the financial losses. This means hiring will be limited to core positions of production such as directors, stage managers, technical directors, designers, and only a few technicians. For smaller theatres, we will most likely see theatre artists taking on multiple jobs within the production.
What Stage Set Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa TenHulzen: What skills need to be enhanced really depends on the area of the theatre they traditionally worked in. For makers and artisans, I would suggest pursuing any hobby or job that will continue to stretch your creative side. You do not want to go for an extended period of time without making something with your hands. The same goes for the directors and actors, but find something where you can use your creative analysis and presentation skills. Start a podcast, read new plays, make videos, etc. The skill of a theatre artist can stagnate if it is not used. Take advantage of the time you have, and pursue a personal creative project.
What general advice would you give to a Stage Set Designer?
Lisa TenHulzen: Work hard. I don't have to tell you that being successful in the theatre business is extremely difficult, even at the best of times. Post-pandemic, I believe this will be even harder. You have to be able to push yourself to become stronger, more professional and more driven than you ever anticipated. Being in the theatre professionally is not easy, and if you expect it to be, you are in the wrong field. Even the most talented among us have to work their tails off to be successful. Pursue anything and everything that comes your way, be kind to your colleagues, and be collaborative. Understand that there are 100 more artists waiting to take your place, so treat each position with the respect it deserves. One thing that will not change post-pandemic is how small the theatre world is and how much that can help or hinder you based on the relationships you build.