Occupation information for

Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Currently Employed: 259

Yearly Projected Openings: 10

Typical Hourly Wage: $22.32 - $38.39

Typical Annual Salary: $46,400 - $79,800

• 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.
• Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.
• Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities in order to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.
• Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.
• Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications, and satisfactory operation of special effects components.