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Exhibit Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Luci

Lead Narrative Designer

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

As a Lead Narrative Designer, you'll shape the core storytelling and visitor journey of every ... Serve as a primary client contact on interpretive and exhibit development; lead workshops, pitch ...

PBK

Immersive Experience Designer

Houston, TX

PBK is seeking an Immersive Experience Designer to join its Immersive Experience Design (IxD) Lab ... Experience with immersive, exhibit, museum, experiential, or themed environments. * Familiarity ...

PBK

Immersive Experience Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

PBK is seeking an Immersive Experience Designer to join its Immersive Experience Design (IxD) Lab ... Experience with immersive, exhibit, museum, experiential, or themed environments. * Familiarity ...

MSM, Inc.

Associate Exhibit Detailer

Webster, NY · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Associate Exhibit Detailer MSM is a woman-owned, experiential agency bringing brands to life ... Add value to designs through practical construction methods while maintaining the design ...

CREO Industrial Arts

Estimator

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$82K - $90K/yr

We execute the vision of the world's finest architects, experiential graphics designers, landscape architects, and exhibit designers, producing extremely high fit and finish custom products for a ...

houstonzoo

Graphic Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

Graphic Designer, an intermediate roll between 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience ... Environmental or exhibit design experience About Houston Zoo Houston Zoo is made up of many moving ...

houstonzoo

Graphic Designer

Houston, TX

Graphic Designer, an intermediate roll between 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience ... Environmental or exhibit design experience About Houston Zoo Houston Zoo is made up of many moving ...

Houston Zoo

Graphic Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

Graphic Designer, an intermediate roll between 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience ... Environmental or exhibit design experience About Houston Zoo Houston Zoo is made up of many moving ...

RAVENSWOOD STUDIO

Technical Designer

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Technical Designer Reports to: Associate Director of Technical Design About Ravenswood Studio Inc ... exhibit, display, cabinetry / millwork, theater / opera, or themed environments. Ability to ...

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All JobsExhibit Designer Jobs

Exhibit Designer information

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$41.5K

$62.3K

$94K

How much do exhibit designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for exhibit designer in the United States is $62,310.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $67,500.00 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 are exhibit designers?

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.

What is the highest paying job at a museum?

The highest paying job at a museum is typically the museum director or executive director, who oversees operations, fundraising, and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the institution's size and location.

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 is the highest paying career in design?

In the design field, roles such as industrial designers, user experience (UX) directors, and creative directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, with salaries varying based on industry, location, and company size.

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 or entry-level positions, developing skills in design software like AutoCAD or Adobe Creative Suite, and building a strong portfolio are important steps in the process.

What does an exhibition designer do?

An exhibition designer plans and creates displays for museums, galleries, trade shows, and other venues. They develop layout concepts, select materials, and use design software to produce visual plans that effectively communicate themes and engage visitors. The role often requires knowledge of graphic design, spatial awareness, and project management skills.
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Exhibit Designer jobs near you
Lead Narrative Designer

Lead Narrative Designer

Luci

Lincolnwood, IL • On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Reports to: Director of Narrative Design

Location: Chicago, New York City, or Seattle (in-studio 3+ days/week)

About the Role

At Luci, we take a story-first approach to designing experiences for museums, visitor centers, and brands. As a Lead Narrative Designer, you'll shape the core storytelling and visitor journey of every project you touchthrough scholarly research, interpretive planning, and direct client partnership. This is a senior, client-facing, deeply collaborative role for someone who loves both the craft of storytelling and the hands-on work of bringing exhibits to life.

We're looking for someone who knows the best practices of museology and experience designand has the curiosity and ambition to push them further.

What You'll Do
  • Serve as a primary client contact on interpretive and exhibit development; lead workshops, pitch ideas, and field feedback with clarity and confidence.
  • Research wide-ranging topics in depth and distill complex material into clear, compelling messaging for clients and the public.
  • Develop and refine storylines, interpretive plans, and content outlines aligned to each project's goals and audiences.
  • Champion the "voice of the visitor," ensuring experiences are accessible, inclusive, and meaningfulfor clients and the people they serve.
  • Collaborate with 2D/3D designers, developers, and media specialists to weave storytelling seamlessly into the overall experience.
  • Partner with Creative and Project leads to plan tasks, allocate resources, and meet budgets and deadlines.
  • Identify needs for freelancers or subject-matter experts and bring them to project leadership.
  • Mentor junior designersreviewing interpretive plans and content outlines, leading creative reviews, and sharing best practices in storytelling and interpretation.
What You Bring
  • 8+ years in exhibit development, museum content creation, or interpretive planning.
  • Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, Education, Design, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • A confident public speaker who can articulate ideas to clients, stakeholders, and teammates in formal and informal settings.
  • Experience guiding junior team members with clear, constructive feedback.
  • A passion for audience-centered design, storytelling, and alternative learning methodsplus familiarity with Inclusive and Universal Design.
  • Adaptability and creative problem-solving when content, timelines, or resources shift.
Logistics
  • In-studio a minimum of 3 days/week at our Chicago, New York City, or Seattle office.
  • Some travel for client meetings, site visits, installations, and professional development.
Why Luci

You'll have a direct hand in the success of every exhibit and installation you touchworking alongside talented colleagues across disciplines, learning from industry experts, and sharpening your own leadership and interpretive craft along the way.