Set and Exhibit Designers salary in Iowa
Set and Exhibit Designers in Iowa earn a median of $50,640 a year ($24.35 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,000 for the top 10%. That is 33% lower than the national median of $75,240. Iowa ranks 22nd of 26 states for set and exhibit designers pay. There are 0.04 set and exhibit designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.61). The average (mean) salary is $55,510, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for set and exhibit designers in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,840 | $22.52 |
| 25th percentile | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| Median | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| 75th percentile | $61,270 | $29.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,000 | $33.65 |
| Average (mean) | $55,510 | $26.69 |
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 | $4,220 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,110 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,947.69 |
| Weekly | $973.85 |
| Hourly | $24.35 |
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 Iowa
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $50,640 | 40 |
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 Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $50,310 | $24.19 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Interior Designer | $58,040 | $27.90 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,420 | $33.85 |
| Floral Designer | $35,340 | $16.99 |
| Art Director | $80,940 | $38.92 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $39,550 | $19.01 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,350 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,970 | $30.27 |
| Editor | $57,200 | $27.50 |
| Producers and Directors | $58,550 | $28.15 |
| Technical Writer | $66,520 | $31.98 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,540 | $20.93 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
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 Iowa?
The median salary for set and exhibit designers in Iowa is $50,640 a year, or $24.35 an hour. Pay ranges from $46,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid set and exhibit designers make in Iowa?
The top 10% of set and exhibit designers in Iowa earn at least $70,000 a year. The top 25% earn $61,270 or more.
What is the starting pay for set and exhibit designers in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,840 a year, and a quarter of set and exhibit designers earn $50,640 or less.
How many set and exhibit designers work in Iowa?
About 60 set and exhibit designers are employed in Iowa, not counting the self-employed.