Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningTime ManagementSpeakingOperations AnalysisCritical Thinking
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Set and Exhibit Designers pay by experience level
Entry level$43,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$54,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$78,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$107,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$140,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+2.3%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
2,500
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Set and Exhibit Designers salary by industry
Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
3,180 workers
$108,000
Motion Picture and Video Industries
3,180 workers
$108,000
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries
3,130 workers
$77,000
Performing Arts Companies
1,890 workers
$85,000
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
950 workers
$68,500
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
950 workers
$68,500
Administrative and Support Services
810 workers
$93,000
Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events
690 workers
$59,000
Educational Services
640 workers
$52,000
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
540 workers
$73,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Set and Exhibit Designers make?
The average base salary for a Set and Exhibit Designers in the United States is $86,000 per year, or about $41.35 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $54,500 and $107,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $88,500 across 45 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Set and Exhibit Designers pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
