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Set designer

Also called scenographer, scenic artist, scene designer

Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events.

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?LittleLevel 2 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Interior designers and decorators · ILO

What you'd do

Interior designers and decorators · ILO
  • Determining the objectives and constraints of the design brief by consulting with clients and stakeholders
  • Researching and analysing spatial, functional, efficiency, safety and aesthetic requirements
  • Formulating design concepts for the interiors of buildings
  • Preparing sketches, diagrams, illustrations and plans to communicate design concepts
  • Negotiating design solutions with clients, management, suppliers and construction staff
  • Selecting, specifying and recommending functional and aesthetic materials, furniture and products for interiors
  • Detailing and documenting selected design for construction
  • Coordinating the construction and the decoration of interiors
  • Designing and painting stage scenery
  • Designing and decorating show windows and other display areas to promote products and services
Understand artistic conceptsPrevent fire in a performance environmentAdapt to artists' creative demandsWork safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionWork with respect for own safety+ 39 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 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
1 of 27 countries report a shortage of interior designers and decorators, 10 a surplus.
Interior designers and decorators · 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?

Little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.37 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 10 tasks
Preparing sketches, diagrams, illustrations and plans to communicate design concepts0.48
Detailing and documenting selected design for construction0.46
Formulating design concepts for the interiors of buildings0.43
Researching and analysing spatial, functional, efficiency, safety and aesthetic requirements0.42
Designing and decorating show windows and other display areas to promote products and services0.34
Coordinating the construction and the decoration of interiors0.34
Selecting, specifying and recommending functional and aesthetic materials, furniture and products for interiors0.34
Determining the objectives and constraints of the design brief by consulting with clients and stakeholders0.33
Negotiating design solutions with clients, management, suppliers and construction staff0.31
Designing and painting stage scenery0.23

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 interior designers and decorators. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).