Set and Exhibit Designers
SOC code 27-1027 · O*NET-SOC 27-1027.00 · Extensive preparation needed
Set and Exhibit Designers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$75,240
a year
Hourly
$36.17
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$83,160
$39.98 per hour
Middle 50%
$52,830 – $104,030
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$41,750 – $135,410
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
10,630
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $41,750
- $20.07/hr
- 25th percentile
- $52,830
- $25.40/hr
- Median percentile
- $75,240
- $36.17/hr
- 75th percentile
- $104,030
- $50.01/hr
- 90th percentile
- $135,410
- $65.10/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+2%
Growing about as fast as average
31,300
jobs in 2024
32,000
projected for 2034
About 700 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do set and exhibit designers 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 33% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree33%
- Master's Degree33%
- Some College Courses10%
- Post-Master's Certificate10%
Common questions
How much does a set and exhibit designers earn?
The national median is $75,240 a year. The full range runs from $41,750 at the 10th percentile to $135,410 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a set and exhibit designers without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is set and exhibit designers in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Writing3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Fine Arts5.0/5
- Design4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Building and Construction3.5/5
- History and Archeology3.4/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Communications and Media3.1/5
- Production and Processing3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Analysis, Time Management, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.