What is the median salary for Set and Exhibit Designers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Set and Exhibit Designers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $75,230.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Set and Exhibit Designers?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +21.7% versus the District of Columbia state median of $61,800.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Set and Exhibit Designers?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +24.5% versus the BLS national figure of $60,447.

What is the salary range for Set and Exhibit Designers in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $45,600 and the 90th-percentile at $108,490 for the Washington, D.C. 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.

Set and Exhibit Designers Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Median annual$75,230

Mean annual$78,100

Range (10th to 90th)$45,600 to $108,490

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment410

State vs national+24.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. set and exhibit designers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

The middle 50% of workers earn between $61,450 and $96,550, with a median of $75,230.

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)

01
Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
02
Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
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.
04
Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
05
Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
06
Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
07
Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
08
Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Set and Exhibit Designers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Set and Exhibit Designers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $75,230.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Set and Exhibit Designers?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +21.7% versus the District of Columbia state median of $61,800.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Set and Exhibit Designers?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +24.5% versus the BLS national figure of $60,447.
What is the salary range for Set and Exhibit Designers in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $45,600 and the 90th-percentile at $108,490 for the Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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.