Set and Exhibit Designers
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.
Also called: Creator, Designer, Display Coordinator, Display Designer, Event Decorator, Event Designer
Median pay
$75,240
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$41,750 – $135,410
People employed
10,630
Holland code
AER
Artistic · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Set and Exhibit Designers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (25 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What set and exhibit designers do
- 01Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
- 02Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
- 03Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
- 04Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
- 05Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
- 06Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Fine Arts
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Building and Construction
- History and Archeology
Work styles that stand out
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from set and exhibit designers
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval70% · +32%
- Video Game Designers68% · group pay
- Music Directors and Composers66% · −2%
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary65% · +29%
- Landscape Architects65% · +6%
Change into set and exhibit designers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Video Game Designers66% · $104,000
- Music Directors and Composers64% · $73,710
- Museum Technicians and Conservators58% · $51,440
- Choreographers57% · $55,310
Majors that lead here
- Design and Visual Communications, General
- Illustration
- Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.