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Creative Industries

Set and Exhibit Designer

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.

Annual openings

28

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+3%

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required, though work experience in design or the skilled trades if often expected.

Work-based learning

No information available

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Arts, Design, and Entertainment
  • Music and Performance

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
  2. Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
  3. Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
  4. Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
  5. Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
  6. Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
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