Set Designer
Design sets for film, TV, theatre and events - drawings, models, build supervision.
This UK set designer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £25,000 - £32,000
- Mid-career salary
- £36,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £80,000
- Work environment
- Studios, workshops, location
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 Years
- Degree required
- Preferred
- Category
- Design and Creative
What a Set Designer does
Design sets for film, TV, theatre and events - drawings, models, build supervision.
How to become a Set Designer
- Look up Set Designer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Set Designer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Drawing / CAD
- Model-making
- Materials
- Budget management