Home > Salary > South Africa > Set Designer
A set designer is responsible for creating the visual concept and physical environment of a production, whether it be for a theater, film, television show, or event. They work closely with directors, producers, and other members of the creative team to bring their vision to life. The occupation involves researching, designing, and constructing sets that accurately reflect the story, characters, and overall mood of the production.
The set designer must have strong artistic and technical skills, as they are responsible for creating detailed drawings, models, and plans for the set. They also collaborate with other departments, such as lighting and costume design, to ensure a cohesive aesthetic. Set designers may work in a variety of settings, from studios and workshops to on-location sites.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 163,980 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,665 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,153 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 79 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,180 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,042 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 76 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-07
Estimated Yearly Salary: 8,157 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 680 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 157 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 163,980 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,665 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,153 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 79 ZAR per hour
By working as Set Designer a person can save up to 409 USD per month or 4,903 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Set Designer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Reverse osmosis water purification mechanic (105,822 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Crm technical consultant (211,870 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Cadcam programmer (120,608 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Product manager medical devices (220,220 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Journeyman carpenter (161,576 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Set Designer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Set Designer in South Africa is approximately 163,980 ZAR (8,157 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Set Designer do?

Skills: Set Designer, Production Design, Theatre Design, Film Set Design, Set Construction, Artistic Collaboration
Job industry: Entertainment
Job industry: Entertainment
How much does Set Designer make?
Salary details
How much does Set Designer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 163,980 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,665 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,153 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 79 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 158,160 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 13,180 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,042 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 76 ZAR per hour
Set Designer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 8,157 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 680 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 157 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Set Designer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Set Designer in South Africa earns on average:
1.29 times the average salary (or 129% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Set Designer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Set Designer in South Africa earns on average:
1.29 times the average salary (or 129% of average salary).
Is Set Designer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Set Designer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Set Designer?
High salary for Set Designer would be somewhere between 180,378 ZAR and 237,771 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Set Designer in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 163,980 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,665 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,153 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 79 ZAR per hour
By working as Set Designer a person can save up to 409 USD per month or 4,903 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Set Designer
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa
(1,412,867 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(1,176,011 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,138,908 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,102,268 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
5. Neurosurgeon
(1,100,784 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,077,960 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,792 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,439 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
9. Oncologist
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
10. Urologist
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Reverse osmosis water purification mechanic (105,822 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Crm technical consultant (211,870 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Cadcam programmer (120,608 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Product manager medical devices (220,220 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Journeyman carpenter (161,576 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Feedback about these results
Please provide feedback by clicking buttons below if you find any of our salaries erroneous.

The salary estimates on this website are meant for reference use only.
This website aggregates salary data for informational purposes exclusively. We attempt to provide accurate figures, but do not guarantee their validity. Users are urged to check official platforms before making financial decisions. Salary ranges can fluctuate due to company policies, market demands, and skills. We assume no responsibility for inconsistencies in the salary information provided. Your engagement with this site confirms agreement of this disclaimer.
optisalary.com offers salary estimates for informational purposes only. While we collect data from various providers, we cannot guarantee full accuracy. Users are advised to review trusted platforms before making major financial moves. Salaries shift due to various factors, such as market demand, employer policies, and geographic location. We make no guarantee regarding the correctness of the displayed salary data. Your use of this site confirms your understanding of these conditions.