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Exhibit Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ELDS, INC

Be Seen First

Exhibit Fabricator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19 - $32/hr

Follows technical drawings, CAD files, and shop prints. * Installation: Sets up and tears down ... We design all types of exhibits we are not going more int the modular exhibit system and need ...

Freeman

Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Education in one of the following: architecture, environmental design, retail design, interior design, industrial design, exhibit design or experiential. design * Experience is helpful but not as ...

Blueprint Studios

Sales Account Manager

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Minimum of five (5) years of outside sales experience within one of the fields of event planning production, catering services, hotel sales/catering services, trade show exhibit design and production ...

Z&A Management

Senior Animal Keeper

Folsom, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Experience in exhibit design, conservation biology, or sustainable practices within zoological settings. Working Conditions: * Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and ...

AEG

Design Intern

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Exhibit exceptional skills in the Adobe Creative Suite programs and familiarity with Figma Design systems a plus. * Must be detail oriented with the ability to manage projects as assigned, multi-task ...

Petersen Automotive Museum

Custodian

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Contribute to one of the world's premier automotive museums, recognized globally for excellence in preservation, education, and immersive exhibit design. * Thrive in an environment that prioritizes ...

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All JobsExhibit Design JobsExhibit Design Jobs in California

Exhibit Design information

See California salary details

$41K

$61.5K

$92.8K

How much do exhibit design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for exhibit design in California is $61,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $66,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is exhibit design?

Exhibit design is the process of creating engaging and effective displays or installations for museums, galleries, trade shows, and other public spaces. It involves planning the layout, selecting materials, designing graphics, and integrating technology to communicate information or tell a story to visitors. Exhibit designers work closely with curators, educators, and fabricators to ensure that exhibits are both visually appealing and educational. Their goal is to enhance visitor experience by making information accessible and engaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exhibit designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exhibit Designer, you need a strong background in spatial design, visual storytelling, and an understanding of materials, often supported by a degree in design, architecture, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and 3D modeling tools is typically required, along with knowledge of fabrication processes. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients and project teams are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure exhibits are both visually captivating and functional, meeting client objectives and providing engaging visitor experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by exhibit designers when working on a new museum display?

Exhibit designers often face the challenge of balancing creative vision with practical constraints such as budget, space limitations, and accessibility requirements. Collaborating closely with curators, fabricators, and educators, they must ensure the exhibit conveys the intended story while also being engaging and durable. Additionally, meeting tight deadlines and accommodating last-minute changes are frequent hurdles. Successful exhibit designers are adaptable and skilled at problem-solving in multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Exhibit Design vs Museum Curator?

AspectExhibit DesignMuseum Curator
CredentialsDesign or architecture degree, portfolioHistory, archaeology, or related master's degree
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, museums, galleriesMuseums, cultural institutions, archives
Primary FocusCreating visual and physical exhibit layoutsResearch, acquisition, and interpretation of collections
Employer & Industry UsageDesign firms, museums, exhibition companiesMuseums, cultural organizations, educational institutions

Exhibit Designers focus on the visual and physical creation of exhibits, working closely with architects and artists. Museum Curators manage collections, conduct research, and develop educational content. While both roles are integral to museum displays, Exhibit Design emphasizes the aesthetic and structural aspects, whereas Museum Curators concentrate on content and collection management.

How do you become an exhibition designer?

To become an exhibition designer, typically a bachelor's degree in fields such as interior design, architecture, or fine arts is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and building a strong portfolio are important steps. Some professionals also pursue certifications or specialized training in exhibit design to enhance their qualifications.

How to get a job in exhibition design?

To pursue a career in exhibition design, develop skills in graphic design, spatial planning, and project management, often through a degree in design, architecture, or related fields. Building a strong portfolio showcasing previous work and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can improve job prospects. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling tools is also beneficial.

Is exhibit design a good career?

Exhibit design is a creative profession that involves developing visual displays for museums, galleries, and public spaces. It requires skills in graphic design, architecture, and project management, often involving collaboration with clients and stakeholders. The field offers opportunities for artistic expression and can be stable with experience and specialized knowledge.

What does an exhibit designer do?

An exhibit designer creates visual and spatial layouts for displays in museums, galleries, trade shows, and other venues. They plan the design, select materials, and use tools like CAD software to develop detailed plans that communicate the concept and ensure functionality and safety. Strong artistic skills, technical knowledge, and collaboration with clients and engineers are essential in this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Exhibit Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Exhibit Design job openings:

Exhibit Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exhibit Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,494 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

UX, Exhibit Content & Interactive Experience Designer

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Discovery Cube
See more jobs at Discovery Cubeexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position:

The UX, Exhibit Content & Interactive Experience Designer is responsible for designing engaging exhibit experiences from concept through installation. This role combines user experience design, exhibit content development, interactive technology planning, graphic communication, and project management into one multidisciplinary position. Working alongside Exhibit Development, Education, Software Development, Fabrication, and Creative teams, this individual translates educational goals into intuitive, memorable guest experiences while coordinating the many moving parts required to bring those experiences to life.

The ideal candidate combines strong visual communication and content design skills with a user-centered design mindset. They are equally comfortable crafting compelling exhibit content and validating design decisions through research, technology integration, prototyping, and testing with real guests.

Responsibilities:

Experience & Exhibit Design

  • Design engaging exhibit experiences from concept through installation.
  • Translate educational objectives into intuitive, hands-on guest experiences.
  • Develop exhibit flow, interaction models, and visitor journeys.
  • Create exhibit concepts, mockups, wireframes, and experience documentation.

UX Research & Testing

  • Lead UX research throughout exhibit development.
  • Prototype physical and digital interactions.
  • Conduct guest testing with children and families.
  • Analyze guest behavior and improve experiences based on research.
  • Develop intuitive onboarding moments that minimize guest confusion.

Exhibit Content & Graphic Design

  • Create exhibit graphics, instructional panels, wayfinding, and educational messaging.
  • Design user interfaces for interactive exhibits and digital experiences.
  • Maintain consistent visual standards across exhibits.
  • Prepare production-ready artwork for fabrication.

 Interactive Technology Integration

  • Collaborate with software developers and technology vendors to define interactive functionality.
  • Develop functional specifications for digital interactives.
  • Understand sensors, RFID, projection systems, touchscreens, audiovisual systems, lighting, and exhibit control systems.
  • Bridge communication between designers, developers, and fabricators.
  • Participate in technology testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

 Project Management

  • Manage multiple exhibit projects simultaneously.
  • Develop project schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Coordinate work across Education, Creative, Fabrication, Technology, Marketing, Operations, and outside vendors.
  • Identify project dependencies and critical paths.
  • Track budgets and procurement.
  • Maintain project documentation.
  • Coordinate exhibit installation and turnover.

 Vendor & Fabrication Coordination

  • Coordinate graphic production.
  • Review shop drawings and proofs.
  • Manage fabrication schedules.
  • Operate or oversee rapid prototyping using 3D printing.
  • Coordinate exhibit commissioning and punch lists.

Qualifications:

  • Overall understanding of exhibition development from concept development through installation, as well as standards and best practices for exhibitions.
  • 5+ years of experience in a museum or interpretive position, including; designing interactive exhibits, museums, themed entertainment, science centers, or experiential environments.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating UX, exhibit design, interactive design, graphic design, and visitor experience.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Excellent research, writing, editing and oral communications skills, including public speaking.
  • Ability to manage many projects at one time, prioritizing, meeting deadlines and planning for high efficiency.
  • Ability to analyze and track results.
  • Experience managing consultants, vendors and partnerships.
  • Accountability: we are accountable for delivering on our commitments.
  • Effectiveness: we believe being effective allows us to best realize the mission of the institution.
  • Must be available, and/or have reliable transportation to travel to Orange County and Los Angeles campuses as requested, or needed.

Technology Knowledge

  • Interactive exhibit technologies
  • RFID systems
  • AV systems
  • Touchscreen interfaces
  • Projection systems
  • Show control
  • Lighting integration
  • Basic software development processes
  • Hardware integration
  • Rapid prototyping / 3D printing

Preferred Software

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Figma
  • Microsoft Office
  • AutoCAD or SketchUp (preferred)
  • Project management software (Monday.com, Asana, Smartsheet, or Microsoft Project)

 What's In It For You:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Optional supplemental insurance coverage
  • 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees
  • 14 Free general admission tickets per year
  • 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission
  • 10% of on-site dining and shopping discount
  • Employee discounts through ADP
  • Accrued paid time off for full-time employees
  • 10 paid company holidays

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