Set and Exhibit Designers Salary by State
The national median pay for set and exhibit designers is $75,240 a year. By state, it ranges from $38,700 in Arkansas to $105,030 in California.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $41,750
- 25th percentile
- $52,830
- Median
- $75,240
- 75th percentile
- $104,030
- Top 10%
- $135,410
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 10,630 jobs.
Median pay in 25 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $105,030 | +40% | $47,400 | $162,820 | 2,690 |
| 2 | Maryland | $80,540 | +7% | $47,110 | $114,340 | 420 |
| 3 | Washington | $77,230 | +3% | $53,880 | $164,070 | 170 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $76,900 | +2% | $47,600 | $118,290 | 190 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $76,380 | +2% | $47,400 | $112,570 | 220 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $74,540 | −1% | $51,870 | $123,640 | 230 |
| 7 | Nebraska | $73,980 | −2% | $48,180 | $93,140 | 50 |
| 8 | Indiana | $72,200 | −4% | $44,540 | $93,700 | 110 |
| 9 | Georgia | $67,210 | −11% | $29,330 | $122,060 | 310 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $66,090 | −12% | $49,290 | $84,670 | 150 |
| 11 | Oregon | $62,770 | −17% | $47,140 | $92,220 | 280 |
| 12 | Florida | $60,750 | −19% | $45,670 | $101,030 | 740 |
| 13 | Connecticut | $60,680 | −19% | $49,120 | $105,530 | 70 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $59,670 | −21% | $46,430 | $114,970 | 120 |
| 15 | Virginia | $58,650 | −22% | $41,600 | $104,010 | 120 |
| 16 | Texas | $56,930 | −24% | $36,480 | $111,450 | 210 |
| 17 | Ohio | $54,560 | −27% | $23,760 | $92,020 | 290 |
| 18 | Kentucky | $53,260 | −29% | $31,070 | $87,610 | 40 |
| 19 | Missouri | $51,610 | −31% | $33,530 | $74,850 | 290 |
| 20 | Michigan | $50,910 | −32% | $31,200 | $73,710 | 140 |
| 21 | Nevada | $50,860 | −32% | $34,930 | $101,950 | 180 |
| 22 | Iowa | $50,640 | −33% | $46,840 | $70,000 | 60 |
| 23 | North Carolina | $49,410 | −34% | $22,160 | $87,510 | Not published |
| 24 | Arizona | $46,280 | −38% | $38,660 | $109,380 | 70 |
| 25 | Utah | $44,540 | −41% | $21,100 | $96,150 | 340 |
| 26 | Arkansas | $38,700 | −49% | $35,200 | $72,350 | 50 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Set and Exhibit Designers salary questions
Which state pays set and exhibit designers the most?
California, with a median of $105,030 a year (+40% vs. the national median of $75,240). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays set and exhibit designers the least?
Arkansas, with a median of $38,700 a year (−49% vs. national).
Where do most set and exhibit designers work?
California has the most jobs, about 2,690, with a median of $105,030.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.