Salary distribution
Where Pittsburgh set and exhibit designers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $43,870 and $59,500, with a median of $43,900.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 5.0 / 5
Fine Arts
Knowledge
- 4.9 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Fluency of Ideas
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Visualization
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
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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How the Pittsburgh metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for set and exhibit designers.
- Philadelphia$54,070
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Set and Exhibit Designers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Set and Exhibit Designers in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area is $43,900.
- Does Pittsburgh pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Set and Exhibit Designers?
- The Pittsburgh metro median is -8.6% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $48,010.
- How does Pittsburgh compare to the national median for Set and Exhibit Designers?
- The Pittsburgh metro median is -27.4% versus the BLS national figure of $60,447.
- What is the salary range for Set and Exhibit Designers in Pittsburgh?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $29,230 and the 90th-percentile at $61,050 for the Pittsburgh 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Pittsburgh 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.