Set designer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Set designers design and create the settings for commercials, television, theatre and films.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and

Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.
Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.
Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs.
Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.
Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.
Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.
Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.
Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.
Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.
Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.
Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.
Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction.
Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete.
Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use.
Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.
Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds.
Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced.
Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures.
Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts.
Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations.

Average salary
30,226 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Set designer

31,239 GBP
27,176 GBP

Average salary for part-time Set designer

Average salary for full-time Set designer

Showing:

14,013 GBP
13,612 GBP

30,226 GBP
27,176 GBP
31,239 GBP

Salary over time for Set designer

Pay for this role has increased slightly over time

27,301 GBP
26,955 GBP
26,885 GBP
27,546 GBP
28,482 GBP
29,414 GBP
30,226 GBP
30,226 GBP
39,353 GBP

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Future outlook for Set designers

Very good outlook

52 000+ jobs available

Very good outlook

5% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

37% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Set designer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

68% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
12% of people in this role have some postgraduate study, but not a masters or doctorate
12% of people in this role have a Master's degree

You could learn some of the skills you need for this job through a college course like a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Production Arts.

You'll need:

knowledge of the fine arts
design skills and knowledge
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to work well with others
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Set designer

Art & Design

Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

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Set designer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Art and Design) Level 3 Extended Diploma (Bracknell)

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Future outlook for Set designers

Set designer - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Set designer interview

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