Props Master Profile, Salary, & Job Outlook
What does a Props Master do?
Props are movable objects that appear in scenes. The props master (short for property master) is in charge of the department and oversees all props during a production. They acquire objects by purchasing or recreating them and are responsible for properly placing them in a scene. This role goes through the screenplay and consults with the production team to determine what type of props are needed to replicate the real world. They also work within a designated budget to acquire those props and are tasked with keeping track of them.
How much does a Props Master make?
According to Ziprecruiter, Props Masters make a national average of $63,988 or $30.76 an hour (as of March 2022). The Props Master position is managerial, and salaries currently range between $35,500 (25th percentile) to $81,000 (75th percentile). This wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company/studio, production budget, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the film industry?
Building a realistic and recognizable world for film-goers is essential to making a successful film. Props masters are key to adding that realism to the scenery. Props could be as simple as an ashtray on a table in a bar scene or a more complex dinner scene involving different types of food, drinks, condiments, and cutlery.
What is the job outlook for a Props Master?
Analysts predict that film revenue will grow to $392.34 billion by 2025. In addition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in the field (including Props Masters) will increase at a rate of 24% during the 2019-2029 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Intern at a production company.
- Get firearm certification.
- Explore the NYU x Rolling Stone x IndieWire Film + TV Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Film Career Guide.
Learn from:
Judd Apatow, Film & TV Industry Essentials contributor,
Film director/producer/screenwriter/ comedian
Related Careers:
Film Director | Production Designer | Location Manager | Camera Operator | Key Grip | Cinematographer | Props Master | Script Supervisor | Leading Actor/Actress | First Assistant Director | Second Assistant Director | Director of Photography | Line Producer | Assistant Props Master | Boom Operator | Gaffer
