RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Set and Exhibit Designers salary in Los Angeles, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$100,020
Mean annual$107,890
Range (10th to 90th)$61,610 to $159,060
Los Angeles, California employment2,080
State vs national+65.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Los Angeles set and exhibit designers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$61,61025TH$80,490MEDIAN$100,02075TH$128,95090TH$159,060

The middle 50% of workers earn between $80,490 and $128,950, with a median of $100,020.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Fine Arts

    Knowledge

    5.0 / 5
  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5
  • Fluency of Ideas

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Visualization

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.

  2. 02

    Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.

  3. 03

    Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.

  4. 04

    Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.

  5. 05

    Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.

  6. 06

    Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.

  7. 07

    Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.

  8. 08

    Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.

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Other metros in California

How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for set and exhibit designers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Set and Exhibit Designers in Los Angeles, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Set and Exhibit Designers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $100,020.
Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Set and Exhibit Designers?
The Los Angeles metro median is 0.0% versus the California state median of $100,020.
How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Set and Exhibit Designers?
The Los Angeles metro median is +65.5% versus the BLS national figure of $60,447.
What is the salary range for Set and Exhibit Designers in Los Angeles?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $61,610 and the 90th-percentile at $159,060 for the Los Angeles metro area.
What education is required for Set and Exhibit Designers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.