What degree do you need to be a set designer?

You need a bachelor's degree in theater arts to be a set designer. A bachelor's degree in production design or other fine arts degrees in related fields is also acceptable. Many set designers also choose to obtain master's degrees in these areas to help propel their careers.

How To Become A Set Designer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a set designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Abby Guido

The average set designer salary is $57,970. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an fine arts major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a set designer. Set designers with a Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 6,800 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a Set Designer?

Abby Guido

Assistant Professor, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

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.

ScoreSet DesignerUS Average

Salary

4.5

Avg. Salary $57,970

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.6

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 11.38%

Black or African American 2.79%

Hispanic or Latino 10.03%

Unknown 4.75%

White 70.65%

Gender

female 50.53%

male 49.47%

Age - 41

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41

Stress Level

5.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

10.0

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

2.3

Work Life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a set designer

Explore set designer education requirements

Most common set designer degrees

Bachelor's

67.7 %

Associate

13.8 %

Master's

9.2 %

Start to develop specific set designer skills

Skills	Percentages
Set Design	35.94%
Art Direction	16.80%
Photography	8.98%
CAD	6.14%
Graphic Design	5.62%

Research set designer duties and responsibilities

Develop UNIX shell scripts to automate file manipulation and data loading process.
Develop marketing and brand awareness initiatives through social media outlets; create and manage company Facebook and Houzz profiles.
Used PL/SQL for writing procedures and triggers.
Trouble-Shout, reload and reject records using DTS, SQL scripts.

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