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Set and Exhibit Designers Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Set and Exhibit Designers make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$105,030
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.0% vs 2024
$105,350
Mean Salary
$105,030
Median Salary
$50.50
Hourly Rate
2,690 people work as Set and Exhibit Designers in California

Set and Exhibit Designers salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Set and Exhibit Designers salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Set and Exhibit Designers in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $47,400$47,40025th25% earn less than $73,200$73,200MedianHalf earn more than $105,030$105,03075th75% earn less than $134,030$134,03090thTop 10% earn more than $162,820$162,820

Set and Exhibit Designers in California earn a median salary of $105,030 per year ($8,752/month). This is 68.5% above the national average of $62,320. California ranks #1 out of 26 states for Set and Exhibit Designers pay. Approximately 2,690 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 5.0% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Set and Exhibit Designers

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.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
3.88
Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.75
Operations Analysis
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

Fine Arts
4.95
Design
4.9
Computers and Electronics
3.81
Building and Construction
3.52
History and Archeology
3.43
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (33.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Set and Exhibit Designers in California

Salaries for Set and Exhibit Designers in California range from $47,400 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $162,820 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $73,200 and $134,030.

Median $105,030
P10: $47,400 P25: $73,200 P75: $134,030 P90: $162,820
10th
$47,400
25th
$73,200
Median
$105,030
75th
$134,030
90th
$162,820
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $47,400 $22.79 $3,950
25th Percentile $73,200 $35.19 $6,100
Median (50th) $105,030 $50.50 $8,752
75th Percentile $134,030 $64.44 $11,169
90th Percentile (Experienced) $162,820 $78.28 $13,568

Note: The mean (average) salary of $105,350 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 26 states
$62,320
National avg. for Set and Exhibit Designers
+68.5%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Set and Exhibit Designers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Set and Exhibit Designers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Set and Exhibit Designers Data in California

Set and Exhibit Designers Salary by State

Compare Set and Exhibit Designers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Set and Exhibit Designers make in California?
The median annual salary for Set and Exhibit Designers in California is $105,030 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $105,350.
What is the salary range for a Set and Exhibit Designers in California?
Salaries for Set and Exhibit Designers in California range from $47,400 at the 10th percentile to $162,820 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $73,200 and $134,030.
What is the starting salary for a Set and Exhibit Designers in California?
Entry-level Set and Exhibit Designers positions in California typically start around $47,400 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $73,200 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Set and Exhibit Designers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,690 people are employed as Set and Exhibit Designers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Set and Exhibit Designers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Set and Exhibit Designers in California is approximately $50.50 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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