Set and Exhibit Designer

Explore This Path

Ideal for creative minds who love transforming scripts into visual masterpieces.
Bring stories to life by designing immersive environments for stage and screen.
Blend art and architecture to craft unique, captivating set experiences.

💰 Earn $64K-$110K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 5.1% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll 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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

2,400 Annually

Median Earnings

$81,740 in California

$59,490 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Set and Exhibit Designer? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@mathildedirects

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Set and Exhibit Designer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years