Set and Exhibit Designer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Set and Exhibit Designers Make?
Set and Exhibit Designers earn a median annual salary of $66,280 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $35,990 at the 10th percentile to $129,420 at the 90th percentile — a range of $93,430. The highest-paying state is California at $100,020.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,990 |
| 25th percentile | $48,920 |
| Median (50th) | $66,280 |
| 75th percentile | $100,020 |
| 90th percentile | $129,420 |
Set and Exhibit Designer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $100,020 |
| Washington | $78,320 |
| Maryland | $78,200 |
| Massachusetts | $73,290 |
| Illinois | $71,340 |
| New Jersey | $67,870 |
| Colorado | $66,050 |
| Minnesota | $65,770 |
| District of Columbia | $61,800 |
| Oregon | $61,240 |
| Louisiana | $60,790 |
| Connecticut | $57,830 |
| Missouri | $56,100 |
| Indiana | $55,950 |
| Nebraska | $54,880 |
| Texas | $54,220 |
| Ohio | $52,870 |
| Georgia | $52,710 |
| New Mexico | $51,810 |
| Arizona | $51,120 |
| Virginia | $51,120 |
| Michigan | $49,700 |
| Nevada | $49,700 |
| Florida | $49,250 |
| Iowa | $48,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,010 |
| Oklahoma | $46,280 |
| Wisconsin | $46,100 |
| North Carolina | $45,880 |
| Tennessee | $45,840 |
| Kentucky | $44,340 |
| Arkansas | $36,560 |
| Utah | $35,230 |
| Kansas | $16,730 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Set and Exhibit Designers
Set and Exhibit Designer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$35,990 – $48,920 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$66,280 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$100,020 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $129,420+ |
How to Earn More as a Set and Exhibit Designer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Set and Exhibit Designers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $106,410 — $40,130 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($100,020) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Set and Exhibit Designer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Set and Exhibit Designerthis career | $66,280 |
| Video Game Designer | $98,090 |
| Architect | $96,690 |
| Landscape Architect | $79,660 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafter | $64,280 |
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SOC: 27-1027.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.