Best industries hiring Set Designers in 2025

Set Designers are crucial to the success of any production, whether it’s in theater, film, television, or live events. Their role is to create the environments that tell the story, help set the mood, and enhance the overall experience. In 2025, the demand for skilled Set Designers continues to grow across a variety of industries. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a career shift, understanding which industries are hiring Set Designers can help you target the right opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the best industries hiring Set Designers in 2025 and where you can find exciting career prospects.

1. Film and Television

The film and television industries have long been a primary employer of Set Designers, and this trend is expected to continue in 2025. With the growth of streaming platforms and the increasing demand for high-quality content, Set Designers will remain in high demand to create visually stunning sets that enhance the narrative. Set Designers in film and television may work on a variety of projects, from large blockbuster films to smaller independent productions. The opportunities in this sector are vast, and the work can be both creatively rewarding and financially lucrative.

• Feature films: Set Designers create the sets for major motion pictures, working with directors, producers, and other creatives to design and build environments that match the script’s vision.
• Television productions: The rise of high-quality TV shows and streaming platforms has increased the demand for Set Designers who can create sets for episodic series, reality TV, and more.
• Digital and virtual sets: As digital filmmaking techniques continue to evolve, Set Designers will also be needed to design virtual environments for green-screen and CGI-heavy projects.

Film and television remain one of the most dynamic industries for Set Designers, offering a wide range of opportunities to work on exciting, high-profile projects.

2. Theater

Theater is one of the most traditional and well-established industries for Set Designers, and it continues to provide diverse and rewarding career opportunities in 2025. The role of Set Designers in theater is critical in creating immersive environments that support the narrative and evoke the desired emotions in the audience. Theaters of all sizes, from large Broadway productions to smaller regional theater companies, rely on skilled Set Designers to bring their creative visions to life.

• Broadway and West End: Set Designers working on major theater productions, including Broadway and West End shows, often have the opportunity to design elaborate, high-budget sets that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
• Regional theaters: Set Designers in regional theaters play a key role in designing sets for local productions, often working on a variety of shows ranging from classic plays to contemporary works.
• Experimental and immersive theater: With the rise of immersive and experimental theater experiences, Set Designers are increasingly called upon to create sets that engage the audience in new and interactive ways.

Theater offers Set Designers a creative playground where they can experiment with different design concepts and collaborate with talented actors, directors, and other creatives to bring the story to life.

3. Live Events and Concerts

Live events, including concerts, festivals, and corporate events, are a growing sector for Set Designers. In this industry, Set Designers work to create environments that enhance the live experience for audiences. Whether it’s designing a stage for a concert, a set for a corporate presentation, or an interactive installation for a festival, Set Designers are essential in transforming spaces into engaging, visually striking environments.

• Concert tours: Set Designers for concerts and music tours work closely with artists and production teams to design and build elaborate stages and set pieces that match the artist’s brand and enhance the live performance.
• Festivals and expos: Set Designers are hired to create immersive installations and temporary structures for events like art festivals, trade shows, and expos, which require creative, functional, and often interactive set pieces.
• Corporate events and product launches: Set Designers working in the corporate world are tasked with creating dynamic sets for conferences, product launches, and trade shows that communicate the client’s message and brand identity.

The live events industry offers Set Designers the opportunity to work on fast-paced, high-energy projects that require both creativity and logistical know-how.

4. Theme Parks and Exhibitions

Theme parks, museums, and exhibitions are other industries that hire Set Designers to create immersive and captivating environments. Whether it’s designing themed areas for a theme park, setting up an art exhibition, or building interactive museum displays, Set Designers in this sector are tasked with creating spaces that transport audiences to different worlds.

• Theme parks: Set Designers in theme parks work to create elaborate, immersive attractions and experiences, including rides, themed restaurants, and show sets.
• Museums and galleries: Set Designers are hired by museums and galleries to design exhibits that educate and engage visitors. These sets may be temporary or permanent installations, depending on the exhibition.
• Exhibitions and trade shows: For large exhibitions and trade shows, Set Designers create visually engaging displays that showcase products, ideas, and brands.

Working in theme parks and exhibitions allows Set Designers to create larger-than-life environments that engage and inspire visitors of all ages.

5. Commercial and Advertising Projects

The commercial and advertising industries also hire Set Designers to create environments for product shoots, advertisements, and commercials. In this sector, Set Designers work with advertising agencies and brands to build sets that communicate a specific message or mood while highlighting the product being marketed. These projects may range from still-life product shots to large-scale commercials for television and online platforms.

• Product advertisements: Set Designers work on commercials that require creative, functional sets for showcasing products in their best light, from fashion ads to food commercials.
• Digital content and commercials: The rise of digital content has created opportunities for Set Designers to create engaging and innovative sets for social media, YouTube videos, and online commercials.
• Brand activations: Set Designers in the commercial sector also work on branded experiences, creating immersive installations and sets for pop-up stores, brand activations, and promotional events.

The commercial and advertising sectors offer Set Designers the chance to work on a wide variety of projects, from conceptual shoots to large-scale brand campaigns.

6. Education and E-learning

As the education sector continues to embrace digital learning and interactive environments, Set Designers are also finding opportunities to contribute to educational content. In this sector, Set Designers create engaging, visually stimulating sets for educational videos, online courses, and interactive e-learning environments.

• Educational videos and tutorials: Set Designers are hired to create sets for educational videos, ensuring that the environment enhances the content and makes learning more engaging for students.
• Interactive learning platforms: As online learning continues to grow, Set Designers may work on creating virtual classrooms and interactive learning environments that immerse students in the material.

The education sector offers Set Designers the opportunity to create sets that support learning and make educational experiences more engaging and enjoyable for students.

Conclusion

As the demand for visually captivating environments grows, Set Designers will find opportunities in a wide range of industries, from film and television to live events and theme parks. In 2025, industries like digital media, theme parks, and e-learning are expected to continue offering exciting career opportunities for talented Set Designers. By staying adaptable and continuously honing your skills, you can pursue a rewarding career in set design, contributing to projects that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences around the world.