Set and Exhibit Designers Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a set and exhibit designers in U.S. is $66,280/year ($31.87/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $129K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $66K get you in U.S.?
About set and exhibit designers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level set and exhibit designers (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $66K.Top earners bring in $129K 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 U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do set and exhibit designers make in U.S.?
The median is $66,280 a year - that works out to about $31.87 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,990, and experienced set and exhibit designers can clear $129,420. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $66K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,585/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 30.8% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $66,280 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.