Set designer
Also known as: exibition designer, scenic designer, scenery artist, theater designer, scenic designer & artist, scenic artist & designer
About this occupation
Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events.
Essential skills and knowledge
- present detailed design proposals
- communicate during show
- update design results during rehearsals
- adapt existing designs to changed circumstances
- sketch set images
- propose improvements to artistic production
- work ergonomically
- research new ideas
- use technical documentation
- analyse a script
- use communication equipment
- create set models
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Set and Exhibit Designers (O*NET 27-1027.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
- Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
- Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
- Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
- Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
- Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Enterprising, Realistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Operations Analysis, Time Management
US median pay: US$75,240 a year (2025), 10,630 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsExtremely important (5.0)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.9)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (3.5)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyImportant (3.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.2)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Graphic Designers
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
- Art Directors
- Craft Artists
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Interior Designers
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
- Fashion Designers
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.