As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Set Designer in the United States is $57,762 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Set Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Set Designer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $69,890 | $5,824 | $1,344 | $34 |
| Average | $57,762 | $4,813 | $1,111 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,354 | $3,946 | $911 | $23 |
Fidelity Investments - MERRIMACK, NH
North Pacific Management - VANCOUVER, WA
Michaels - JOHNSON CITY, TN
Stimmel - GREENSBORO, NC
A Set Designer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Set Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | 15.38% |
| ATS | 7.69% |
| Illustration | 7.69% |
Understanding how a Set Designer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $69,890 | $5,824 | $1,344 | $34 |
| Average | $57,762 | $4,813 | $1,111 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,354 | $3,946 | $911 | $23 |
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A Set Designer's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Set Designer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Set Designer is $72,855.
The highest pay for Set Designer is $80,932.
The lowest pay for Set Designer is $37,879.
Designs motion picture or television production sets, signs, props, or scenic effects. Prepares scale drawings for use in construction, modification, or alteration. May require an associate's degree or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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