Set and Exhibit Designers
O*NET 27-1027.00 · SOC 27-1027
Set and Exhibit Designer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $75k a year with +1.4% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 2,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Draft scale drawings and floor plans for stage or exhibit layouts
- →Select props, furniture, and materials to match a production's theme
- →Collaborate with directors and curators to develop design concepts
- →Oversee construction crews building sets or exhibit structures on site
- →Create 3D models or physical mockups to present design proposals
Education & How to Get In
Set and Exhibit Designer roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
Creative, studios, agencies, or remote
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Set and Exhibit Designer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Set and Exhibit Designer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Set and Exhibit Designer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Set and Exhibit Designers is projected to grow 1.4% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·51% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Set and Exhibit Designer make?
The median Set and Exhibit Designer earns $75k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Set and Exhibit Designer jobs?
Our model puts Set and Exhibit Designer at 19 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 51% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Set and Exhibit Designer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 2,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Set and Exhibit Designer?
Set and Exhibit Designer roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Set and Exhibit Designer?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Set and Exhibit Designer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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