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Exhibit Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ENTRUST Solutions Group

Design Drafter

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

San Jose, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

Auburn, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

Apple

PHY RTL Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

With a particular emphasis on highly energy-efficient design and new technologies that transform ... Should exhibit excellent interpersonal skills and be self-motivated and well-organized. Experience ...

Cooley

Senior Design Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Senior Design Specialist Cooley is seeking a Senior Design Specialist to join the Marketing and ... After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Design Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Senior Design Specialist Cooley is seeking a Senior Design Specialist to join the Marketing and ... After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and ...

Cooley

Senior Design Specialist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Senior Design Specialist Cooley is seeking a Senior Design Specialist to join the Marketing and ... After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Design Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Senior Design Specialist Cooley is seeking a Senior Design Specialist to join the Marketing and ... After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Design Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Senior Design Specialist Cooley is seeking a Senior Design Specialist to join the Marketing and ... After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Design Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Senior Design Specialist Cooley is seeking a Senior Design Specialist to join the Marketing and ... After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and ...

Cooley

Senior Design Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

Senior Design Specialist Cooley is seeking a Senior Design Specialist to join the Marketing and ... After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Design Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Senior Design Specialist Cooley is seeking a Senior Design Specialist to join the Marketing and ... After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 10, 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.

Mid- to Senior-level Interpretive Planner/Designer

Berkeley, CA • On-site

PlaceWorks
Architectural Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about PlaceWorksexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Help lead projects involving interpretive planning, design, and fabrication for interpretive media.

  • Assist with research, evaluation of interpretive materials, and development of interpretive guidelines and standards.

  • Support the planning, design, and development of interpretive master plans for parks and public spaces, including public outreach and engagement.

Job description

Job Title
Mid- to Senior-level Interpretive Planner/Designer
Location
Berkeley, CA - US (Primary)
Sacramento, CA - US
Category
Open Space & Resource Planning, Park Planning
Job Type
Full-time Exempt
Career Level
Mid Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks has an immediate need for a mid-to senior-level interpretive planner/designer to join our team. We are looking for an individual with 6 - 8 years of professional experience in project management, interpretive planning and exhibit design who is creative, outgoing, self-starting, and passionate about helping shape and improve communities through their work. In addition, this planner/designer must have a strong interest in parks and open space, and engaging underserved communities in the development in the interpretation of California's natural and cultural history.
Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of skilled senior staff, this team member will help lead PlaceWorks' Landscape and Park Planning teams currently working with local and State agencies, and particularly, California State Parks, as well as with community organizations and non-profit partners, to manage projects involving interpretive planning and design. We have a current need for this planner/designer to assist with the following:
  • Help lead projects coordinating interpretive planning, design and fabrication for interpretive media, including but not limited to interpretive media related to California Native American heritage and culture.
  • Help lead projects requiring research, evaluation of interpretive materials, and development of interpretive guidelines and standards.
  • Support several projects with California State Parks that will engage California communities, including communities of color, tribes, underserved communities, and others regarding park and open space access. Current projects include an emphasis in increasing and improving arts, culture and interpretation in parks, and more accurately and comprehensively addressing African American and tribal history and culture in park programs and exhibits.
  • Assist with the planning, design and development of interpretive master plans for parks and public spaces, as well as the public outreach and engagement related to these projects.

This position is ideally based in our Berkeley office or Sacramento office. However, remote work may be considered for qualified candidates who reside more than one hour from either office location. Remote employees must be located within California to support team collaboration. We are open to this position being part-time or full-time, depending on the range of skills a candidate possesses.
You're most likely a fit if:
  • You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
  • You have strong writing and communication skills.
  • You are creative, self-starting, outgoing, collaborative, a good listener, and passionate about your work.
  • You can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment with team members across the state.
  • You have a diverse portfolio of completed projects, including exhibits and/or interpretive panels and interpretive planning documents (such as Interpretation Master Plans).
  • You have strong writing skills as well as verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and solid client communication abilities.
  • You're comfortable with public speaking and presenting-you'll be expected to represent PlaceWorks at community meetings and interviews.
  • You're able to attend and travel to client meetings and community workshops which may occasionally occur on weekday nights and weekends.
  • You have experience managing complex projects, including schedules, budgets, client coordination, subconsultant coordination, and staff delegation.
  • You have strong leadership and management abilities to grow, mentor, and lead staff members. You can cultivate a culture in which all staff feel respect, trust, and safety, and are empowered to be their authentic selves.
  • You have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Suite, and PowerPoint).
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.

In addition to the above, you'll stand out even more if:
  • You are a NAI certified interpretive Planner.
  • You have experience working in parks and open spaces, such as National Parks, State Parks, and/or regional parks and/or preserves.
  • You have experience working with California Native American tribes.
  • You have a strong interest in California natural and cultural history.
  • You have experience in park and open space planning and/or design.
  • You have confident and fluid freehand drawing and graphic skills.
  • You are a registered California landscape architect, or have NAI certification.

We work in a wide array of communities throughout California, and we encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds to apply.
The pay range for this position is $85,000 - $140,000 per year, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample or design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments. Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, include a link to your writing sample/design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB. In your cover letter, please specify which office location you are interested in.
Job Requirements
(see above job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

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