Set and Exhibit Designers earn a median of $75,240 per year ($36.17/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 1.4% through 2035, with about 2,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 27-1027
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Set and Exhibit Designer in four numbers
- Median pay
- $75,240a year, or $36.17/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $42KTop 10% $135K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +1.4%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+1.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +1.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,20031,600 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202531.6K
- Projected 203532K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 31.6K Projected 2035 32K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Some college9.5%
- Associate's4.8%
- Bachelor's33.3%
- Master's33.3%
- Post-master’s certificate9.5%
- Professional degree4.8%
Highest education held by set and exhibit designers Segment Value Some college 9.5% Associate's 4.8% Bachelor's 33.3% Master's 33.3% Post-master’s certificate 9.5% Professional degree 4.8%
Also advertised as: Designer, Display Coordinator, Exhibit Coordinator, Exhibit Designer, Exhibit Preparator, Historical Society Window Dresser.
Pay
How much do Set and Exhibit Designers make?
Every set and exhibit designer in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$75,240
Middle half earn $52,830 to $104,030
- 10th
- $41,750
- 25th
- $52,830
- 75th
- $104,030
- 90th
- $135,410
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $41,750 |
| 25th | $52,830 |
| Median | $75,240 |
| 75th | $104,030 |
| 90th | $135,410 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $75,240
- Median hourly wage
- $36.17/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $83,160
- People employed
- 10,630
Versus all US occupations
At $75,240, Set and Exhibit Designers earn 48% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $24,260 a year.
Versus arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
Inside the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media group, where the middle occupation pays $68,060, this is 11% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $135,410 or more while the bottom 10% earn $41,750, a gap of 3.2×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 50% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
California pays the most at $105,030, and still leads at $94,861 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Set and Exhibit Designers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $105,030 | $94,861 | 2,690 |
| 2Maryland | $80,540 | $76,735 | 420 |
| 3Washington | $77,230 | $72,169 | 170 |
| 4District of Columbia | $76,900 | $69,972 | 190 |
| 5New Jersey | $76,380 | $70,199 | 220 |
| 6Massachusetts | $74,540 | $70,482 | 230 |
| 7Nebraska | $73,980 | $82,106 | 50 |
| 8Indiana | $72,200 | $77,361 | 110 |
| 9Georgia | $67,210 | $69,797 | 310 |
| 10Minnesota | $66,090 | $67,014 | 150 |
Job outlook
Is Set and Exhibit Designer a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +1.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Set and Exhibit Designers | +1.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Set and Exhibit Designers to change 1.4% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 500 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,200 openings are projected each year, 7.0% of the 31,600 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for set and exhibit designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment growth of set and exhibit designers is projected to be dampened by technological advancements. Still, set designers are required in the entertainment industry for a variety of projects, such as developing the scenery for a live-action movie or re-creating the landscape for a historical play. Most set and exhibit designers are self-employed as freelancers and are contracted by theater companies, museums, television and film studios, and other entertainment industries.
Getting in
How to become a Set and Exhibit Designer
Set and exhibit designers typically need a bachelor’s degree in theater design, exhibit design, or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as set and exhibit designers.
- Bachelor's Degree33.3%
- Master's Degree33.3%
- Some College Courses9.5%
- Post-Master's Certificate9.5%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4.8%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 33.3% |
| Master's Degree | 33.3% |
| Some College Courses | 9.5% |
| Post-Master's Certificate | 9.5% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 4.8% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Set and Exhibit Designer do?
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Set and exhibit designers develop visual and tactile spaces for entertainment productions or for a variety of displays. Set designers work on movies, television, theater, and other productions. Exhibit designers create spaces to showcase products, art, artifacts, or other displays.
Day-to-day tasks
- Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
- Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
- Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
- Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
- Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
- Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
- Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
- Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most set and exhibit designers work full time. They may work evenings or weekends, such as when overseeing the installation of a set or exhibit.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where set and exhibit designers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Self-employed workers66%
- Motion picture and video industries9%
- Theater companies and dinner theaters6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 66% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 9% |
| Theater companies and dinner theaters | 6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Active Listening3.9
- Speaking3.8
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Writing3.3
- Active Learning3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Mathematics3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 |
| Active Listening | 3.9 |
| Speaking | 3.8 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 |
| Writing | 3.3 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Analysis3.8
- Time Management3.8
- Coordination3.5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4
- Social Perceptiveness3.0
- Persuasion3.0
- Negotiation3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Analysis | 3.8 |
| Time Management | 3.8 |
| Coordination | 3.5 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 |
| Persuasion | 3.0 |
| Negotiation | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Desktop publishing software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Video creation and editing software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Set and Exhibit Designer?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Set and Exhibit Designer |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 4 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 7 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 4 |
| Conventional | 3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules, combined with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions.
- Artistic6.7
- Enterprising3.9
- Realistic3.7
- Conventional3.3
- Social3.0
- Investigative2.8
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Set and Exhibit Designer
O*NET related occupations
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
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$55,490median a year
Most earn $32K to $144K
−2.9%Bachelor's - Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
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More arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media careers
Median annual pay, with set and exhibit designers highlighted
- Art Director$114,850
- Technical Writer$90,390
- Editor$77,920
- Writer and Author$76,910
- Set and Exhibit Designer$75,240
- Public Relations Specialist$74,750
- Interior Designer$67,190
- Graphic Designer$62,960
- Photographer$44,660
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $114,850 |
| Technical Writer | $90,390 |
| Editor | $77,920 |
| Writer and Author | $76,910 |
| Set and Exhibit Designer | $75,240 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,750 |
| Interior Designer | $67,190 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,960 |
| Photographer | $44,660 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within set and exhibit designer
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Set and Exhibit Designer appears on
Questions
Set and Exhibit Designer: frequently asked questions
How much do Set and Exhibit Designers make?
Set and Exhibit Designers earn a median of $75,240 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 48% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $36.17/hr. The middle half earn between $52,830 and $104,030. The top 10% earn $135,410 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Set and Exhibit Designer?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Set and Exhibit Designers, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 33.3% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Set and Exhibit Designer a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 1.4% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Set and Exhibit Designer do?
Set and exhibit designers develop visual and tactile spaces for entertainment productions or for a variety of displays. A core O*NET task: develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Data base user interface and query software, Desktop publishing software.
Which states pay Set and Exhibit Designers the most?
The highest state medians for Set and Exhibit Designers are California ($105,030), Maryland ($80,540), Washington ($77,230) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Set and Exhibit Designer?
O*NET scores Set and Exhibit Designers highest on the Artistic, Enterprising and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are INFP, ENFP. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.