Set and Exhibit Designers salary in California
Set and Exhibit Designers in California earn a median of $105,030 a year ($50.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,690 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,400 for the lowest-paid 10% to $162,820 for the top 10%. That is 40% higher than the national median of $75,240. California ranks 1st of 26 states for set and exhibit designers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.15 set and exhibit designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $105,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for set and exhibit designers in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,400 | $22.79 |
| 25th percentile | $73,200 | $35.19 |
| Median | $105,030 | $50.49 |
| 75th percentile | $134,030 | $64.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $162,820 | $78.28 |
| Average (mean) | $105,350 | $50.65 |
Half of set and exhibit designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,752.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,376.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,039.62 |
| Weekly | $2,019.81 |
| Hourly | $50.49 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Set and Exhibit Designers salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $109,120 | 290 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $106,880 | 1,870 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $76,900 | 90 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $59,440 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for set and exhibit designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $105,030 |
| Maryland | $80,540 |
| Washington | $77,230 |
| District of Columbia | $76,900 |
| New Jersey | $76,380 |
| Massachusetts | $74,540 |
| Nebraska | $73,980 |
| Indiana | $72,200 |
| Georgia | $67,210 |
| Minnesota | $66,090 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $75,130 | $36.12 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| Art Director | $137,780 | $66.24 |
| Interior Designer | $80,230 | $38.57 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $130,540 | $62.76 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $100,770 | $48.45 |
| Floral Designer | $47,040 | $22.61 |
| Designers, All Other | $65,420 | $31.45 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $58,240 | $28.00 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $60,540 | $29.11 |
| Craft Artist | $100,540 | $48.34 |
| Producers and Directors | $129,790 | $62.40 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $85,030 | $40.88 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,660 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1027. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a set and exhibit designers make in California?
The median salary for set and exhibit designers in California is $105,030 a year, or $50.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,400 for the lowest-paid 10% to $162,820 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid set and exhibit designers make in California?
The top 10% of set and exhibit designers in California earn at least $162,820 a year. The top 25% earn $134,030 or more.
What is the starting pay for set and exhibit designers in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,400 a year, and a quarter of set and exhibit designers earn $73,200 or less.
How many set and exhibit designers work in California?
About 2,690 set and exhibit designers are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.