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Exhibit Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

DERSE INC

AutoCAD Detailer - Exhibits

Waukegan, IL · On-site

Previous trade show or exhibit design experience preferred. * Must have a high level of experience and understanding of all aspects of production, cabinetry, and CNC machining * Demonstrated ...

DERSE, Inc.

AutoCAD Detailer - Exhibits

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$26.44 - $38.46/hr

Previous trade show or exhibit design experience preferred. * Must have a high level of experience and understanding of all aspects of production, cabinetry, and CNC machining * Demonstrated ...

DERSE INC

AutoCAD Detailer - Exhibits

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$26.44 - $38.46/hr

Previous trade show or exhibit design experience preferred. * Must have a high level of experience and understanding of all aspects of production, cabinetry, and CNC machining * Demonstrated ...

Orbus Inc

CAD DETAILER

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Exhibit Detailer Orbus, a leading and highly successful tradeshow builder and designer of hardware ... Develop 3D CAD assembly models for tradeshow exhibits and booth structures * Convert linear and ...

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

Be Seen First

Entry Level Scenic & Event Designer / Production Artist 2026

Lisle, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Set Design, Exhibit Design, Tradeshow Design, Product/Prototype Renderings, Animations, Interior & Exterior Renderings, Mobile Marketing, Graphics & Web design and AR/VR content creation.

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

Be Seen First

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer 2026

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Set Design, Exhibit Design, Tradeshow Design, Product/Prototype Renderings, Animations, Interior & Exterior Renderings, Mobile Marketing, Graphics & Web design and AR/VR content creation.

Cooley LLP

Senior Design Specialist

Chicago, IL

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

Chicago, IL

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 1-20

All JobsExhibit Design JobsExhibit Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Exhibit Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.8K

$64.2K

$96.9K

How much do exhibit design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for exhibit design in Chicago, IL is $64,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $69,600.00 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.
Exhibit Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exhibit Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,239 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Museum Intern

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

Elk Grove Park District
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Elk Grove Park Districtexternal

$15/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Elk Grove Historical Museum Internship

Starting at: $15.00 per hour Hours: Flexible

Here is a unique opportunity to apply first-hand the practices of the public historian. The Elk Grove Historical Museum campus includes an orientation/exhibition building, a furnished farmhouse, barn, chicken coop, and contains a fairly substantial collection for its size. The intern will experience multiple aspects of work as a public historian within a museum setting. The museum is located at 399 Biesterfield Rd. in Elk Grove Village, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program including history, public history, museum studies, or related field of study.

The intern will be responsible for completing specific tasks designated at the outset of the internship. This would include becoming familiar with the basic history of the Elk Grove area and could also have the opportunity to provide tours of the site on occasion. Additionally, the intern would work directly with the collection. This would entail examining what is in the collection, assisting with an inventory, organizing the materials, and creating finding aids. Assistance with other museum duties including accessioning, exhibit design, event planning, and possibly assistance with events/programs themselves would be included. It is also possible for the intern to complete a specific project for the site. The specific topic as well as the scope of this project are to be approved by the curator of the museum and the student's advisor.

Essential Job Functions

  • The intern must be familiar with or become familiar with accessioning
  • Process items in the collection and catalog information in CatalogIt software
  • Photograph artifacts
  • Assist in research
  • Assist with exhibit planning
  • Assist with exhibit design
  • Conduct tours
  • Assist with the planning/facilitation of events/programs as schedule allows
  • Able to lift 30lbs.

Education and Experience

  • Basic computer skills - Google Docs, Sheets, etc. Experience with CatalogIt a plus
  • Knowledge of history, research, and writing processes a plus
  • Responsible, conscientious, self-motivated

Elk Grove Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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