[Site name]

Prop maker

Also called prop builder, property maker, property builder

Prop makers construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain props used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. Props may be simple imitations of real life objects, or may include electronic, pyrotechnical, or other effects. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers involved in the production.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospects52 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Legal, social, cultural and related associate professionalsWhat does it pay?About averageFrom about €1,400 (Bulgaria) to €6,600 (Luxembourg) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Legal, social, cultural and related associate professionalsWhat do I need to study?Usually post-secondary or a short degree4 in 10 have a degree.Legal, social, cultural and related associate professionalsWill AI change it?No exact scoreThe ILO does not score this exact group; the figure is the average of related groups.

What you'd do

Understand artistic conceptsTranslate artistic concepts to technical designsPrevent fire in a performance environmentAdapt to artists' creative demandsPrepare personal work environment+ 18 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors
  • A mix of sitting and standing
  • Lots of contact with people
  • Good freedom to decide
  • Often more than 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Varied tasks, little repetition
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the related, broader US job "Set and Exhibit Designers"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

Many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as legal, social, cultural and related associate professionals in the EU
3.99m3.83m4.95m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
915,000 new jobs 1,198,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Legal, social, cultural and related associate professionals52
All jobs29
Right now
3 of 27 countries report a shortage of other artistic and cultural associate professionals, 8 a surplus.
Other artistic and cultural associate professionals · EURES

What does it pay?

About average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €1,400 a month (Bulgaria) to €6,600 (Luxembourg), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among technicians and associate professionals in the EU, women earn 16% less per hour than men. Technicians and associate professionals · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually post-secondary or a short degree

Post-secondary training or a short degree is the usual route.

Highest qualification of legal, social, cultural and related associate professionals (EU, 2025)
Degree 44%Vocational 33%General secondary 15%Basic schooling 8%

Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

The ILO does not score this exact group; the figure is the average of related groups.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale

Average task score 0.34 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully). Average of related groups (artistic, cultural and culinary associate professionals).

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for artistic, cultural and culinary associate professionals. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).