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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Set and Exhibit Designers salary in Memphis, Tennessee

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Memphis 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$65,810
Mean annual$56,690
Range (10th to 90th)$36,520 to $66,270
Memphis, Tennessee employment40
State vs national+8.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Memphis set and exhibit designers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$36,52025TH$37,760MEDIAN$65,81075TH$66,27090TH$66,270

The middle 50% of workers earn between $37,760 and $66,270, with a median of $65,810.

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 Tennessee

How the Memphis metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for set and exhibit designers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Set and Exhibit Designers in Memphis, Tennessee?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Set and Exhibit Designers in the Memphis metropolitan area is $65,810.
Does Memphis pay more than the Tennessee state average for Set and Exhibit Designers?
The Memphis metro median is +43.6% versus the Tennessee state median of $45,840.
How does Memphis compare to the national median for Set and Exhibit Designers?
The Memphis metro median is +8.9% versus the BLS national figure of $60,447.
What is the salary range for Set and Exhibit Designers in Memphis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $36,520 and the 90th-percentile at $66,270 for the Memphis 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 Memphis 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.