
The average salary for a scenic painter varies depending on the source of information and the specific job title. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a scenic painter is $61,119 per year, with an average salary of $56,817 per year. However, Salary.com reports a slightly higher average total pay of $66,488 per year, with an average base salary of $51,592. When it comes to hourly rates, scenic painters earn anywhere from $17 to $39 per hour, with an average of around $25 per hour. The salary range for this profession also differs based on seniority, with estimates starting at $48,036 per year and reaching up to $85,107 annually for the highest level of seniority.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | $51,592 - $66,488 |
| Average Hourly Rate | $22 - $32 |
| Typical Annual Pay Range | $46,523 - $85,107 |
| Highest Annual Salary | $80,580 - $106,043 |
| Lowest Annual Salary | $44,812 - $46,523 |
| Average Additional Annual Pay | $4,275 - $4,301 |
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What You'll Learn

Average annual salary
The average annual salary for a scenic painter in the United States varies depending on the source and the specific job title.
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a scenic painter is $61,119 per year, with an average salary of $56,817. However, other sources, such as Salary.com, report a slightly lower average annual salary of $51,592, with a typical range from $44,812 to $59,472. The average hourly rate for scenic painters ranges from $22 to $29, with an average of $25 per hour.
It is worth noting that salaries for scenic painters can vary based on factors such as location, seniority, and employer. For example, the salary trajectory for a scenic painter can range from $48,036 per year to $72,661 per year depending on their level of seniority. Additionally, the top-paying companies and the highest earners in the field can offer salaries upwards of $80,000 to over $100,000 per year.
The job title of "Scenic Artist" or "Charge Artist" may also influence salary levels. These roles involve leading and overseeing the painting of stage, film, or television scenery and they command higher average salaries. For example, Glassdoor reports an estimated total pay of $66,488 per year for a scenic artist, with an average salary of $62,213.
Overall, the average annual salary for a scenic painter in the United States appears to range from the mid-$50,000s to the mid-$60,000s, with the potential for higher earnings depending on experience, skills, and the specific demands of the job market.
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Average hourly rate
The average hourly rate for a scenic painter in the United States is between $22 and $29, with $25 being the average. This data is based on salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor and Salary.com.
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly pay for a scenic painter in the United States is approximately $17.00, which is 18% below the national average. However, another source, also Indeed.com, states that the average Scenic Highlights Painter hourly pay in the United States is approximately $21.98, which is 12% above the national average.
The hourly rate for scenic painters can vary depending on various factors, including location, employer, seniority, and level of experience. For example, the lowest salary for a scenic painter in the United States is around $22 per hour, while the highest salary can reach up to $39 per hour.
The base salary for scenic painters in the United States typically ranges from $44,812 to $59,472, with an average of $51,592. The total cash compensation, including base pay and incentives, can vary from $45,012 to $59,753, with an average of $51,795.
Overall, the average hourly rate for scenic painters in the United States falls within the range of $22 to $29 per hour, with $25 being the typical pay.
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Salary range
The salary of a scenic painter varies depending on the level of seniority, location, and employer. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a scenic painter is $61,119 per year, with an average salary of $56,817 per year. The salary trajectory of a scenic painter ranges from $48,036 per year to $72,661 per year for the highest level of seniority. The top paying company in Construction, Repair, and Maintenance Services for scenic painters is The Nassal Company. The average salary for a scenic painter is $61,119 per year or $29 per hour, which is in line with the national average.
Scenic painter salaries can also be compared to similar jobs. For example, the average total hourly cash compensation for a full-time painter is $25, while a multimedia illustrator can expect to earn between $45,012 and $59,753 with an average total compensation of $51,795.
The salary of a scenic painter can also vary depending on the specific industry and job requirements. For example, jobs in arts and design may require a bachelor's degree and technical skills such as graphic design software, and these jobs often offer flexible schedules and the opportunity to manage multiple projects. The average salary for a scenic artist in the United States is $66,488 per year or $32 per hour, which is in line with the national average.
It's important to note that salary estimates may be based on a small number of data points, and actual salary figures can vary depending on the specific company, location, and individual's level of experience and negotiation skills.
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Top-paying companies
The salary of a scenic painter varies depending on the company, location, and level of seniority. The estimated total pay for a scenic painter in the United States is $61,119 per year, with an average salary of $56,817. However, the salary can range from $46,523 to $80,580 annually, with the top earners reporting up to $103,069.
- Bungalow Scenic Studios: Bungalow Scenic Studios is the top-paying company in Personal Consumer Services for scenic artists. The average salary for a scenic artist at this company is $66,488 per year, which is in line with the national average. The salary range at Bungalow Scenic Studios is between $52,123 (25th percentile) and $85,107 (75th percentile) annually.
- The Nassal Company: The Nassal Company is the top-paying company in Construction, Repair & Maintenance Services for scenic painters. While the exact salary range for this company is not available, the average salary for scenic painters in this industry is $61,119 per year, with top earners making up to $103,069.
- Scenic Highlights: Scenic Highlights is a company that values artistry and professionalism. While the exact salary range is not provided, the average hourly pay for a scenic painter at this company is $21.98, which is 12% above the national average.
- Glassdoor Top 10 Highest Paying Companies: According to Glassdoor, the top 10 highest-paying companies for scenic painters in the United States offer salaries ranging from $52,000 to $85,000 per year. The estimated total pay for these top-paying companies is $66,488 per year, with an average salary of $62,213.
It is important to note that salaries for scenic painters can vary based on various factors, including skill level, experience, and the specific demands of the job. Additionally, jobs in arts and design, including scenic painting, often offer flexible schedules and the opportunity to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
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Job outlook
The job outlook for scenic artists is promising, with a projected growth of 6% from 2018 to 2028, resulting in approximately 2,900 job opportunities across the United States. This growth is attributed to an increased demand for realistic backgrounds in theatre, film, and television productions. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry has been challenging, with many theatres shutting down. However, outdoor theatres, drive-in events, and virtual choirs have emerged as alternatives, and film and television productions are resuming with precautions.
To succeed in this competitive field, a combination of artistic skills, technical knowledge, and industry experience is essential. A degree in theatre or fine arts, along with relevant coursework in set design, can enhance employment prospects. Hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or working with amateur theatre groups is also valuable. Building a strong portfolio that showcases different styles, techniques, and the evolution of concepts is crucial for impressing potential employers.
Networking is vital for scenic artists, as it can open doors to various opportunities. Joining organisations like the United Scenic Artists or local guilds provides valuable resources and connections. Online platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter offer a plethora of job listings, while specialised sites like Media Match cater to film and television opportunities.
While the average salary for a scenic painter ranges from $24,000 to $113,000 annually, with a median of $52,584, the pay scale varies depending on the industry. Film and television typically offer higher remuneration due to larger budgets. With passion, skill, and strategic career choices, scenic artists can achieve financial satisfaction in their chosen field.
In conclusion, the job outlook for scenic artists is positive, driven by increasing demand for their creative skills. By acquiring the necessary technical knowledge, gaining industry experience, and leveraging networking opportunities, aspiring scenic artists can navigate the job market effectively and build rewarding careers.
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Frequently asked questions
The average salary for a scenic painter in the United States is $51,592 per year or $25 per hour. However, salaries vary depending on location, employer, and level of seniority. The salary range typically falls between $44,812 and $59,472 per year.
The salary range for a scenic painter in the United States can vary depending on several factors. The lowest salary reported is $46,523 per year, while the highest salary reported is $80,580 per year. The typical pay range falls between $46,523 (25th percentile) and $80,580 (75th percentile) annually.
The average hourly wage for a scenic painter in the United States is approximately $25 per hour. The hourly rate can range from $22 to $29 per hour, with some sources reporting rates as low as $19 or as high as $32 per hour.
The salary of a scenic painter can be influenced by several factors, including location, employer, seniority, and skill level. Scenic painters with more experience and specialized skills may earn higher salaries. Additionally, the type of industry and job market conditions can also impact the salary range for scenic painters.











































