How Much Do Set Dresser Make?
How much do set dresser make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for set dresser in the fashion & beauty category. Learn about set dresser pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $40,000 to $55,000.
How Much Do Set Dresser Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do set dresser make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Set Dresser in the Fashion & Beauty field can expect to earn an average salary of $55,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $40,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $55,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of set dresser by time periods, set dresser typically make around $4,583.333 per month and approximately $1,057.692 per week. The basic salary of set dresser varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level set dresser typically start with a base salary of $40,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $55,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $55,000.
The salary landscape for set dresser is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do set dresser make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,057.692 per week. How much do set dresser make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $35,000 to $60,000, with the median salary sitting at $55,000. Additionally, many set dresser receive bonuses averaging $5,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.
How Much Do Set Dresser Get Paid Per Annum? Set Dresser Salary
Annual salary data for set dresser 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 Dresser Get Paid in a Month? Set Dresser Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for set dresser 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 Dresser Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for set dresser across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
Set Dresser Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for set dresser over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
Set Dresser 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 Dressers are typically awarded based on project completion, performance quality, teamwork, and adherence to budget and deadlines.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
A Set Dresser role generally does not include commission or incentive opportunities, as compensation is primarily based on salary or hourly wages for the job.
Overtime
Overtime pay is common for Set Dressers, especially during long production hours or tight deadlines, 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 Dresser include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off (PTO), flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
Set Dresser Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the set dresser role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
A Set Dresser enhances the visual storytelling of film and television by arranging and decorating sets. They select furniture, props, and decor to create authentic environments that reflect the script's mood. Collaborating closely with the production designer, they ensure every detail contributes to the overall aesthetic and narrative impact.
Primary Responsibilities
Setting up and arranging props, maintaining the continuity of set decor, collaborating with the production designer, sourcing and acquiring necessary materials, ensuring set safety and functionality, managing budget constraints for set dressing, assisting in the design concept development, overseeing the placement of furniture and decor items, coordinating with other departments (like lighting and camera), conducting final checks before filming.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A Set Dresser organizes and arranges props, furniture, and decor on film sets, ensuring each scene looks authentic; collaborates with the production designer, and adapts setups for various shooting requirements.
Work Environment
Field
Set Dressers work on film and television sets, arranging props and furniture in various environments, often under tight deadlines.
Physical Demands
Moderate
Set Dressers often work in varied environments, requiring physical stamina for lifting, climbing, and moving equipment, with potential exposure to noise and irregular hours.
Set Dresser Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a set dresser, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
High School Diploma.
Field: Theater Arts, Film Production, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Set Design, Architecture, Graphic Design, Visual Arts.
Experience
3 years
Employers seek Set Dressers with experience in artistic design, attention to detail, collaboration skills, and knowledge of production processes. Familiarity with various materials and tools is also essential.
Certifications
Set Decorator Certification, Production Design Certificate, OSHA Safety Certification, Basic Fire Safety Training, First Aid/CPR Certification, Art Department Training Program, Union Membership (e.g., IATSE), Forklift Operator License.
Required Skills
Attention to detail, creativity, organization, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, communication skills, adaptability.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Set Dresser Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for set dresser from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Props Assistant, Production Assistant, Art Department Intern
Early-career Set Dressers assist in creating film and television sets by arranging props, furniture, and decor to enhance the visual storytelling and establish atmosphere.
Mid-Career
Props Assistant, Scenic Artist, Production Assistant
Mid-career Set Dressers are responsible for designing, arranging, and maintaining on-set environments, ensuring visual coherence, and collaborating with directors to enhance storytelling through set aesthetics.
Senior Management
Production Designer, Art Director, Set Supervisor
Senior or management-level Set Dressers oversee the design and arrangement of sets, ensuring visual coherence, managing budgets, coordinating with teams, and maintaining production timelines.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 5 years
Set Dressers typically start as assistants, gaining experience and skills, then progress to lead positions or specialized roles, ultimately advancing to production design or art direction.
Set Dresser Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for set dresser, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Faster than average
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Increased demand for high-quality production design in streaming services, growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly materials in set dressing, advancements in technology leading to virtual and augmented reality set designs.
Growth Factors
Rising film and television production, immersive storytelling trends, increased focus on set authenticity, and demand for unique visual experiences drive Set Dresser demand.
Future Opportunities
Virtual reality environments, sustainable set design, augmented reality experiences, immersive theater, and 3D printing are emerging niches creating new opportunities for Set Dressers.
Set Dresser Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for set dresser, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
Set Dresser Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for set dresser, 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 Dresser Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a set dresser, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
What qualifications are needed to become a set dresser?
A high school diploma or equivalent, with experience in art or design preferred.
What is the average salary of a set dresser?
The average salary ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Do set dressers need formal education?
While not mandatory, degrees in film production, theater arts, or interior design can be beneficial.
How does one get paid as a set dresser?
Set dressers typically receive hourly wages or project-based pay through contracts.
What skills are important for a set dresser?
Creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are essential for success.
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.