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Exhibit Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sr 3D Industrial Designer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$132K/yr

SENIOR 3D / INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER At JANSON, design is not decoration--it is mission enablement. The ... exhibit design, environmental design, workplace design, interior architecture, or related ...

Graphic Designer II Level: Journeyman | Work Location: Hybrid - McLean, VA ⚠ This position is ... Provide design support for social media, web content, posters, and exhibit materials * Secure ...

Graphic Designer II Level: Journeyman | Work Location: Hybrid - McLean, VA ⚠ This position is ... Provide design support for social media, web content, posters, and exhibit materials * Secure ...

As a Graphic Designer for our Mid-Atlantic Marketing and Communications team, you will be ... Outstanding candidates will exhibit a passion for: design of all kinds; being a team player ...

As a Graphic Designer for our Mid-Atlantic Marketing and Communications team, you will be ... Outstanding candidates will exhibit a passion for: design of all kinds; being a team player ...

Sr. Graphic Designer

Washington, DC

$73K - $100K/yr

Overview Join our team as a Senior Graphic Designer and support the U.S. Department of Labor ... Experience with large-format print production, exhibit/banner installation, or framing/matting

Sr. Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Overview Join our team as a Senior Graphic Designer and support the U.S. Department of Labor ... Experience with large-format print production, exhibit/banner installation, or framing/matting

The Senior UX Designer\/Researcher will exhibit passion about creating innovative products and delivering an efficient and graceful experience for users. Strong communication skills and the ability ...

Exhibit a strong understanding of construction principles * Assist Project Managers with the estimation and scoping of new project opportunities * Site visits and inspection as and when required

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Exhibit Designer information

See Washington salary details

$47K

$70.6K

$106.5K

How much do exhibit designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for exhibit designer in Washington is $70,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,900.00 and $76,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Exhibit Designer vs Museum Exhibit Designer?

AspectExhibit DesignerMuseum Exhibit Designer
CredentialsDegree in design, architecture, or related field; experience in exhibit or display designSimilar credentials; often requires knowledge of museum standards and conservation
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client sites, trade showsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including trade shows, corporate displays, museumsPrimarily within museums and cultural institutions
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing exhibit design roles in different settingsIndividuals interested in museum-specific exhibit design careers

Exhibit Designers and Museum Exhibit Designers share similar skills and credentials, but their work environments and industry focus differ. Exhibit Designers often work across multiple industries like trade shows and corporate displays, while Museum Exhibit Designers specialize in creating displays for museums and cultural institutions. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their interests and expertise.

What is an exhibit designer?

Exhibit designers are professionals who plan, design, and create displays and fixtures for exhibitions, museums, trade shows, and other public spaces. They combine artistic skills with practical knowledge of materials, lighting, and spatial layout to create engaging and functional exhibits. Exhibit designers often work closely with clients, curators, and builders to ensure the final presentation effectively communicates the intended message and enhances visitor experience.

Is exhibition design a good career?

Exhibition design is a creative profession that involves planning and constructing displays for museums, trade shows, and events. It requires skills in graphic design, spatial planning, and familiarity with design software, with opportunities for freelance or full-time work. The field offers diverse projects but can involve tight deadlines and project-based income fluctuations.

What are some of the main challenges exhibit designers face when creating displays for diverse audiences?

Exhibit Designers often encounter the challenge of balancing aesthetic appeal with educational value to engage visitors from varied backgrounds and age groups. They must collaborate closely with curators, educators, and fabrication teams to ensure that the design aligns with the institution’s goals and accessibility standards. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and budgets while integrating interactive technology or multimedia elements can require creative problem-solving. Staying current with trends in visitor engagement and exhibit technology is also important for success in this role.

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 expertise in spatial design, visual storytelling, and proficiency with design principles, often supported by a degree in exhibition design, architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with 3D modeling software (such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Rhino), Adobe Creative Suite, and project management tools is typically required. Strong creativity, collaboration, and communication skills help you translate concepts into engaging visitor experiences and work effectively with clients and fabrication teams. These skills ensure that exhibits are visually compelling, functional, and meet the client's objectives while providing memorable experiences for visitors.

How do you become an exhibit designer?

To become an exhibit designer, typically a bachelor's degree in fields such as design, fine arts, or architecture is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in design software like AutoCAD or Adobe Creative Suite, and building a strong portfolio are important steps in entering the profession.
What are popular job titles related to Exhibit Designer jobs in WA? For Exhibit Designer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Exhibit Designer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,572 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Exhibit Specialist - Art Handler/Mountmaker

Museum of the Bible, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$31.25 - $39.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Exhibit Specialist - Art Handler/Mount Maker
Division / Department: Curatorial - Exhibits
Location: Washington DC
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Schedule: Full-Time, to include early mornings as required*
Reporting Manager: Exhibit Production Supervisor
Travel: N/A
Hourly Rate: $31.25 to $39.37, Depending on Experience*
*Pay scale is adjusted to local market rates.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Exhibit Specialist - Art Handler/Mount Maker is responsible for designing and fabricating museum-quality mounts and display supports for a wide range of collection objects, including fine art, manuscripts, archival materials, and archaeological artifacts. Using materials such as metal and acrylic, the successful candidate will create custom mounts that meet the highest standards for object safety, stability, and presentation.
This position plays a key role in the installation, deinstallation, and maintenance of temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays. Responsibilities include rotating collection objects, conducting routine inspections of galleries and exhibit cases, assisting with object handling, packing and unpacking artworks and artifacts, and helping to ensure the overall care and appearance of exhibition spaces.
As a member of the Exhibits production team, the Exhibit Specialist works closely with colleagues on a variety of fabrication, installation, and collections-related projects. This role requires flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed to support the successful execution of exhibitions and gallery operations.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Applies knowledge of current best practice in mount making techniques, policies and procedures to all tasks.
  • Creates cradles and mounts out of both acrylic and brass for collection objects and loans that will be on display.
  • Installation and maintenance of museum cases
  • Packing, unpacking, and general handling of art objects and artifacts
  • Participates in the maintenance, installation and de-installation of galleries and other spaces
  • Performs daily gallery inspections and cleaning
  • Assists other production staff as needed
  • Practices conventional museum procedures and techniques to ensure the safety of all exhibit objects
  • Maintains a professional demeanor while working alongside fellow museum colleagues
  • Ensure compliance with company guidelines, deadlines, and design standards
  • Champion the Museum of the Bible's mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible.
  • As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.
  • Additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Education
  • HS Diploma or equivalent
  • Bachelor's degree - preferred in fine arts, studio arts, conservation, design, engineering or industrial arts

Qualifications
  • Must have a minimum of two years' experience working in a museum or art gallery as a preparator with experience handling and hanging fine art and/or museum objects.
  • Knowledge of proper art handling protocols
  • Ability to work in close collaboration with registrars, curators, conservators, and exhibition designers
  • Commitment to MOTB's mission of inviting all people to engage with the Bible

Skills
  • High attention to details and deadlines with excellent organizational skills
  • Proficient using a variety of power and hand tools along with safety standards
  • Proficient in working with acrylic/plastics, brasswork, book/paper, mannequin/textiles, seismic mitigation
  • Ability to design, fabricate and install museum object mounts and cradles which adhere to conventional mount-creating procedures while also retaining an artful design
  • Preferred experience in rigging and working with large, heavy art objects
  • Preferred ability to read blueprints and technical drawings
  • Ability to multi-task and to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to interface professionally with individuals at all organizational levels

Pay Range: $31.25 - $39.37 per hour