Set designers use a sense of design, an understanding of the architecture of the period presented in the play or film (or commercial), and an understanding of theatre or film in general to create engaging sets.

Set designers read the script and work with the director to understand all the basic needs of the set as well as the director’s vision. They must often do research to ensure that their designs are accurate with the period presented, and with the place presented. The designer shows several possible sketches for the sets to the director, and then must adapt and change as the sketches move to models and to blueprints and then the set itself.
Average Salary:

$45,000. Theatre set designers are on average lower salaries than for film and television.
Average Hours (per week):

Unless employed by a studio or production company, where the work would be steady, the days would be long to meet production deadlines. Forty-plus hours per week would be expected.
Union:

IATSE is the union for most people in the scenic professions, whether building or designing.
Certifications:

CAD certification is useful. The portfolio of your work is still the determining factor for employment.
Training Period:

A college degree – an Associates or, better yet, Bachelors degree — in scenic design is required. Courses in theatre and film, architecture, and art are a good idea. Understanding of structure and construction is helpful. Two to four years working as an assistant will be necessary. As with other design professions, getting an internship with a production company or theatre company would help you build a portfolio, establish connections in the industry, and give you a good working knowledge of the business from the inside.
Strongest Market(s):

Los Angeles is where the soundstages are. Vancouver, Canada, too.  New York is where Broadway is. Other big cities may afford an opportunity to build a portfolio by working in theatre.
Entry Level Salary:

$25,000. Set design is competitive, so the entry-level salary is low for both film and theatre.
Top Salary:

$75,000.
Job Growth Forecast:
The ten-year growth projection is 14 percent for set designers, which is better than average growth because of increased film and video markets, both globally and with ever-increasing cable markets.

Related posts:

1. Costume Designer
2. Fashion Designer
3. Book Designer
4. Production Assistant
5. Interior Designer