National
| Median wages (2008) |
$21.47 hourly, $44,660 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
12,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Faster than average (14% to 20%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
5,000 additional employees |
27-1027.00 - Set and Exhibit Designers
Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Sample of reported job titles:
Exhibit Designer, Set Designer, Designer, Exhibit Preparator, Design Chief, Display Coordinator, Exhibitions Curator, Scenic Designer, Show Design Supervisor, Historical Society Window Dresser
Tasks
- Examine objects to be included in exhibits in order to plan where and how to display them.
- Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.
- Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
- Confer with clients and staff in order to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, and/or promotion requirements.
- Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.
- Develop set designs based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
- Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities in order to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.
- Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications, and satisfactory operation of special effects components.
- Plan for location-specific issues such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.
- Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
