How Much Do Set Decorator Make?
How much do set decorator make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for set decorator in the arts, media & entertainment category. Learn about set decorator pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $40,000 to $75,000.
How Much Do Set Decorator Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do set decorator make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Set Decorator in the Arts, Media & Entertainment field can expect to earn an average salary of $75,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $40,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $75,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of set decorator by time periods, set decorator typically make around $6,250 per month and approximately $1,442.308 per week. The basic salary of set decorator varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level set decorator typically start with a base salary of $40,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $60,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $75,000.
The salary landscape for set decorator is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do set decorator make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,442.308 per week. How much do set decorator make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $40,000 to $80,000, with the median salary sitting at $75,000. Additionally, many set decorator receive bonuses averaging $5,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.
How Much Do Set Decorator Get Paid Per Annum? Set Decorator Salary
Annual salary data for set decorator across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.
Entry Level Annual Salary
Mid-Career Annual Salary
Experienced Annual Salary
How Much Do Set Decorator Get Paid in a Month? Set Decorator Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for set decorator at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.
Entry Level Monthly Salary
Mid-Career Monthly Salary
Experienced Monthly Salary
How Much Do Set Decorator Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for set decorator across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
Set Decorator Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for set decorator over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
Set Decorator Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)
Bonus & Compensation Package
Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.
Bonus Percentage
of annual salary
Bonuses for Set Decorators are typically awarded based on project completion, budget adherence, and exceptional creativity or client satisfaction.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
Set Decorators may have commission or incentive opportunities based on project budgets, client satisfaction, and successful execution of design concepts, enhancing overall earnings potential.
Overtime
Overtime pay for Set Decorators is common, especially during tight production schedules or extended hours, reflecting the demanding nature of film and television projects.
Employee Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits
Typical benefits for a Set Decorator include health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off (PTO), flexible work hours, and opportunities for professional development.
Set Decorator Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the set decorator role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
A Set Decorator is responsible for creating the visual atmosphere of film and television sets. They collaborate with directors and production designers to select and arrange furniture, props, and decor that enhance storytelling. Their expertise in style and detail transforms spaces, ensuring authenticity and emotional impact in every scene.
Primary Responsibilities
Designing set aesthetics, sourcing and selecting props, collaborating with the production designer, overseeing set dressing, managing budget and inventory, coordinating with other departments, ensuring continuity in decor, maintaining set integrity during filming, supervising installation of decor elements.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A Set Decorator collaborates with the production designer, selects and arranges props, sources materials, ensures visual continuity, oversees installation, and maintains the set’s aesthetic throughout filming.
Work Environment
Field
Set Decorators work in film and television environments, collaborating on set designs, managing decor elements, often under tight deadlines.
Physical Demands
Moderate
Set Decorators often work in varied environments, requiring physical stamina for lifting and arranging props, adaptability to different locations, and the ability to work long hours.
Set Decorator Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a set decorator, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
Bachelor’s degree.
Field: Theater Arts, Film Production, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Visual Merchandising, Architecture, Costume Design, Graphic Design.
Experience
5 years
Employers seek Set Decorators with strong artistic vision, attention to detail, experience in film or theater production, collaboration skills, and a solid understanding of design principles and trends.
Certifications
Set Decorator certifications or licenses commonly required include: Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or Interior Design, Certificate in Production Design, OSHA Safety Certification, Union Membership (e.g., IATSE), Fire Safety Certification, CPR and First Aid Certification.
Required Skills
Attention to detail, creativity, organizational skills, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, time management, knowledge of design principles, budget management.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Set Decorator Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for set decorator from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Set Production Assistant, Prop Assistant, Art Department Coordinator
Early-career Set Decorators assist in creating visually appealing sets by sourcing, arranging, and maintaining props and furnishings to enhance storytelling in film and television productions.
Mid-Career
Art Assistant, Prop Master, Set Designer.
Mid-career Set Decorators design and curate sets, manage budgets, collaborate with directors and production teams, oversee installation, and ensure visual continuity for film or television projects.
Senior Management
Production Designer, Art Director, Set Design Supervisor
Senior Set Decorators oversee the design and arrangement of film or television sets, ensuring visual storytelling aligns with production goals while managing budgets and teams effectively.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 10 years
Set Decorators typically advance from entry-level positions to senior roles, gaining experience in design and management, ultimately leading to opportunities as Production Designers or Art Directors.
Set Decorator Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for set decorator, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Faster than average
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Sustainability in set design, increased demand for virtual and augmented reality experiences, emphasis on diverse representation and storytelling.
Growth Factors
Growing film and TV production, rising consumer interest in aesthetics, demand for immersive experiences, and increased emphasis on storytelling through visual design.
Future Opportunities
Virtual reality experiences, sustainable materials, smart home integration, immersive themed environments, and interactive installations are emerging niches creating new opportunities for Set Decorators.
Set Decorator Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for set decorator, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
Set Decorator Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for set decorator, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills Needed
Recommended Certifications
Recommended Courses
Development Resources
Training Timeline
Estimated training time
Frequently Asked Questions About Set Decorator Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a set decorator, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.