How much does a set designer make in the United States?
This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $4,081 a month.
- Approx. take-home per month
- $3,456
- Compared with the median pay in the United States
- 0.9 times
- Data from
- 2025
Where the United States ranks among 143 countries
Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $100,000 a year.
In other countries
Median gross salary a year, in dollars.
| 1. Switzerland estimate | $80,280 |
| 2. Iceland estimate | $65,230 |
| 3. Luxembourg estimate | $62,470 |
| 6. United Kingdom | $49,450 |
| 7. United States | $48,970 |
| 8. Ireland estimate | $47,650 |
| 143. Malawi estimate | $348 |
Similar jobs
Technicians and associate professionals
- Photographer$44,660
- Museum technician$46,380
- Chef$48,610
- Other artistic and cultural associate professionals$58,040
- Legal aide$62,240
- Social care worker$45,930
- Religious worker$45,280
- Athlete$66,710
By state
Median gross salary a year.
| District of Columbia | $80,670 |
| California | $62,110 |
| Washington | $59,100 |
| Minnesota | $57,220 |
| Rhode Island | $57,040 |
| Colorado | $56,820 |
| Illinois | $56,630 |
| Massachusetts | $55,930 |
| Maryland | $55,770 |
| Oregon | $55,750 |
See all 51 states
| Wyoming | $55,430 |
| New York | $54,470 |
| Vermont | $52,060 |
| Connecticut | $50,310 |
| Utah | $49,810 |
| Montana | $49,720 |
| Nebraska | $49,500 |
| Maine | $49,400 |
| South Dakota | $48,180 |
| New Jersey | $47,930 |
| New Hampshire | $47,930 |
| Missouri | $47,740 |
| Alaska | $47,690 |
| North Dakota | $47,450 |
| Georgia | $47,380 |
| Arizona | $47,000 |
| Arkansas | $46,440 |
| Wisconsin | $46,260 |
| Alabama | $46,050 |
| Texas | $45,870 |
| Oklahoma | $45,550 |
| Hawaii | $45,390 |
| Florida | $45,140 |
| North Carolina | $45,050 |
| Indiana | $44,670 |
| Virginia | $44,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,370 |
| Kansas | $44,230 |
| South Carolina | $44,080 |
| Delaware | $44,040 |
| Ohio | $43,830 |
| Iowa | $43,800 |
| Michigan | $43,120 |
| Tennessee | $41,650 |
| Nevada | $40,270 |
| Kentucky | $39,890 |
| New Mexico | $38,800 |
| Idaho | $38,770 |
| Louisiana | $38,190 |
| West Virginia | $38,070 |
| Mississippi | $34,730 |
Jobs in this group in the United States
Official name of each one and its median salary a year.
| Merchandise Displayer and Window Trimmer | $39,390 |
| Interior Designer | $67,190 |
| Set and Exhibit Designer | $75,240 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a set designer make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $4,081 a month, $48,970 a year.
How much does a set designer make starting out and with experience?
The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $34,310 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $77,800.
Which country pays a set designer the most?
United Kingdom, with a median of $49,450 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays a set designer the most?
District of Columbia, with a median of $80,670 a year.
Does a set designer make more in the United States or in Germany?
In the United States: $48,970 a year against $45,890 in Germany, 1.1 times more.
Who makes more, a set designer or a photographer?
A set designer: $48,970 a year against $44,660 for a photographer, 1.1 times more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate