Salary
Average Salary: $130,000
Expected Lifetime Earnings: $5,427,240
You will be paid handsomely for your efforts. The average production designer makes $2,500 a week, although those with experience and little golden statues on their mantles command a lot more—sometimes twice that. It’s not unusual for top notch production designers to be clearing close to $200k a year.
The downside is that it’ll take you many, many years to climb up the ladder, with stints as a set designer, an assistant art director, and an art director.
To add to the stress, there’s no guarantee you’ll always have work—even if you’re good. The movie industry is ambitious, but wary of taking too many risks.
You’ll need to join the Art Director’s Guild—which is a good thing, as you’ll need someone in your corner.
While you’re working up to that big salary, you’ll have to get by on a lot less. For someone just starting out in the field, it’s not unusual to only clear $20k to $30k a year—with the average set designer making something closer to $50k.
Considering what the rents are like in L.A., that’s not a lot of coin. You’ll also need to build your reputation, which takes time and patience. If you hit the big time, invest wisely. Once you’re old and grey, you won’t be able to run around and keep up such a frenetic pace.