Set and exhibit designers
SOC Code: 27-1027Also known as:
Designer, Display Coordinator, Display Designer, Event Decorator, Event Designer
Median Annual Salary
$66,280
+2.3% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
31K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$66,280
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.3%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
31,300
Projected Employment (2034)
32,000
Related Careers
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Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
$60,560 •
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Commercial and industrial designers
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Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Operations Analysis
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.
- Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Set and exhibit designers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a set and exhibit designers:
Design and Visual Communications, General
6,186 degrees awarded •
257 colleges offer this program
Illustration
3,192 degrees awarded •
68 colleges offer this program
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
1,087 degrees awarded •
160 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Set and exhibit designers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become set and exhibit designers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do set and exhibit designers make?
The median annual salary for set and exhibit designers is $66,280.
What education do set and exhibit designers need?
Most set and exhibit designers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Design and Visual Communications, General, Illustration, Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.
Is becoming set and exhibit designers a good career choice?
Set and exhibit designers is projected to see +2.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for set and exhibit designers?
Top colleges for aspiring set and exhibit designers include
University of Southern California, The University of Texas at Austin, Washington University in St Louis, Carnegie Mellon University, Boston University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to set and exhibit designers?
Set and exhibit designers may also be known as: Designer, Display Coordinator, Display Designer, Event Decorator, Event Designer, Exhibit Coordinator, Exhibit Designer, Exhibit Preparator, Exhibit Specialist, Exhibit Technician (Exhibit Tech), Exhibitions Coordinator, Exhibitor, Exhibits Manager, Exhibits Specialist, Food Stylist, Historical Society Window Dresser, Installations Designer, Miniature Set Designer, Museum Exhibit Designer, Presentation Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.