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
SOC: 27-1027 O*NET: 27-1027.00
Median Salary
$75,240
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Set and Exhibit Designers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$41,750
10th percentile
Early Career
$52,830
25th percentile
Median
$75,240
50th percentile
Experienced
$104,030
75th percentile
Top Earners
$135,410
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$41,750
25th
$52,830
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$75,240
Mean: $83,160
75th
$104,030
90th
$135,410
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $93,660 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $52,830 and $104,030
- •Salary spread is 68.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 10,630 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:31,600
Top Industries
Information32.4%
Motion Picture and Video Industries29.9%
Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries29.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.4%
Annual Openings:2,200
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)31,600
Current
2035 (Projected)32,000
+1.4%
+500
Employment Change
+1.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Set and Exhibit Designers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 34 locations
California
2,690 jobs$105,0302.16x
New York
1,690 jobs$02.55x
Florida
740 jobs$60,7501.09x
Maryland
420 jobs$80,5402.20x
Utah
340 jobs$44,5402.84x
Illinois
330 jobs$00.79x
Georgia
310 jobs$67,2100.92x
Ohio
290 jobs$54,5600.77x
Missouri
290 jobs$51,6101.46x
Oregon
280 jobs$62,7702.06x
Tennessee
230 jobs$01.02x
Massachusetts
230 jobs$74,5400.91x
New Jersey
220 jobs$76,3800.74x
Texas
210 jobs$56,9300.21x
District of Columbia
190 jobs$76,9003.93x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Fine Arts
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
100%
#3
Fluency of Ideas
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
Design
94%
#6
Visualization
92%
#7
Time Management
86%
#8
Computers and Electronics
86%
#9
Oral Comprehension
82%
#10
Building and Construction
80%
Skills Overview
Fine Arts
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Fluency of Ideas
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Design
advanced4.7
94%
Visualization
advanced4.6
92%
Time Management
intermediate4.3
86%
Computers and Electronics
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Fine Arts
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Fluency of Ideas
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Design
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Visualization
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Computers and Electronics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Building and Construction
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Operations Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Art Directors100%
5 shared skills
Advertising and Promotions Managers82%
5 shared skills
Landscape Architects82%
5 shared skills
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists82%
5 shared skills
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property73%
5 shared skills
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Fine Arts
- ✓Design
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Coordination
- →English Language
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Fine Arts
- ✓Design
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Fine Arts
- ★Design
- ★Computers and Electronics
- ★Building and Construction
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Set and Exhibit Designers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechTrimble SketchUp Pro
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Creative Cloud software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mixed environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (10)General Responsibilities (8)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Communication & Coordination (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Set and Exhibit Designers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Set and Exhibit Designers professionals typically have a AER Holland code and highly value achievement
AArtistic
EEnterprising
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Set and Exhibit Designers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.76
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.76
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.67
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.62
Initiative
CriticalInitiative
Importance Level4.62
Innovation
CriticalInnovation
Importance Level4.62
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.8
Cooperation
4.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.6
Initiative
4.6
Innovation
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.5
Persistence
4.4
Independence
4.4
Achievement/Effort
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Set and Exhibit Designers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Set and Exhibit Designers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
2.2k program completions/year
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
933 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
719 program completions/year
Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ
563 program completions/year
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ
558 program completions/year
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA
516 program completions/year
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ
487 program completions/year
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ
474 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
472 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
470 program completions/year
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
466 program completions/year
Fullerton College
Fullerton, CA
451 program completions/year