Set and Exhibit Designers Salary in California
The median pay for a set and exhibit designers in California is $100,020/year ($48.09/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $142K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $100K get you in California?
About set and exhibit designers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level set and exhibit designers (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $100K.Top earners bring in $142K or more - a $93K spread from bottom to top.
Set and Exhibit Designers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $100K | +51% | 2,770 |
| Washington | $78K | +18% | 150 |
| Maryland | $78K | +18% | 290 |
| Massachusetts | $73K | +11% | 250 |
| Illinois | $71K | +8% | 350 |
| New Jersey | $68K | +2% | 300 |
| Minnesota | $66K | -1% | 170 |
| District of Columbia | $62K | -7% | 260 |
| Oregon | $61K | -8% | 50 |
| Louisiana | $61K | -8% | 70 |
| Connecticut | $58K | -13% | 50 |
| Missouri | $56K | -15% | 510 |
| Indiana | $56K | -16% | 80 |
| Nebraska | $55K | -17% | 30 |
| Texas | $54K | -18% | 270 |
Track set and exhibit designers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do set and exhibit designers make in California?
The median is $100,020 a year - that works out to about $48.09 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,720, and experienced set and exhibit designers can clear $142,230. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $100K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,109/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 36% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a set and exhibit designers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median set and exhibit designers salary is worth about $100,020 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do set and exhibit designers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.