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Museum Exhibit Designer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites: The mission of the Indiana State Museum and ... You will interact with Exhibit Production team members, Experience Design and Development staff, as ...

Museum Exhibit Designer information

See Indiana salary details

$39.5K

$59.3K

$89.4K

How much do museum exhibit designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum exhibit designer in Indiana is $59,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $64,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum exhibit designer?

A Museum Exhibit Designer is responsible for planning, designing, and creating engaging exhibits for museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions. They collaborate with curators, educators, and designers to develop layouts, select display materials, and incorporate interactive elements to enhance visitor engagement. Their work blends art, architecture, and storytelling to present information in an accessible and visually appealing way. Exhibit designers may also oversee construction, lighting, graphics, and multimedia components to bring the exhibition to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum exhibit designer?

To thrive as a Museum Exhibit Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, art history, and spatial planning, often supported by a degree in design, museum studies, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling programs, and familiarity with exhibition lighting and display systems is common. Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills help you work effectively with curators, educators, and fabrication teams. These competencies enable you to create engaging, educational, and visually compelling exhibits that enhance visitors’ experiences.

What are some typical challenges faced by museum exhibit designers in their day-to-day work?

Museum Exhibit Designers often navigate challenges such as balancing creative vision with budget limits, working within the constraints of historical buildings, and ensuring accessibility and safety standards are met. They regularly collaborate with curators, educators, and contractors to incorporate diverse perspectives and knowledge into their designs, requiring flexibility and strong teamwork. Meeting tight deadlines and coordinating multiple stakeholder inputs can also be demanding. However, overcoming these challenges is rewarding, as it leads to the creation of inspiring exhibits that reach and educate a wide audience.

How do you become a museum exhibit designer?

To become a museum exhibit designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as museum studies, fine arts, design, or a related discipline. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in graphic design, 3D modeling, and understanding exhibit construction, and building a strong portfolio are important steps in pursuing this career.

Is exhibition design a good career?

Exhibition design is a viable career for those interested in creating engaging visual displays and storytelling through physical spaces. It requires skills in design, architecture, and project management, often involving software like CAD. Job prospects depend on industry demand, experience, and the ability to collaborate with clients and institutions.

What do you need to be a museum exhibit designer?

Museum exhibit designers typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as museum studies, fine arts, design, or architecture. Strong skills in graphic design, 3D modeling, and familiarity with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp are important, along with experience in project management and understanding of museum curation and conservation standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Exhibit Designer jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Museum Exhibit Designer jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Exhibit Designer jobs in Indiana?

For Museum Exhibit Designer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Exhibit Designer jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Exhibit Designer jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Museum Exhibit Designer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Museum Exhibit Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Exhibit Designer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,292 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Lighting Preparator

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites:
The mission of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is to serve as a catalyst for informal lifelong learning that connects the stories of real people, places and things. Our vision is to be the leader in informal lifelong learning that is recognized, sought-after and celebrated regionally, nationally and globally. We value inclusion, integrity, stewardship and transparency.
Role Overview:
As an Experience Lighting Preparator, you will create and contribute to the lighting, production and repair of exhibitory elements, cabinetry, and auxiliary structures; and assist in the installation and dismantling of new, existing and temporary exhibitions. You will interact with Exhibit Production team members, Experience Design and Development staff, as well as Facilities staff members to support the organization's mission.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $56,650.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
  • Adapting and installing lighting for exhibitory elements, collections, cabinetry and auxiliary structures.
  • Organize and document lighting layouts for long and short term galleries.
  • Demonstrate proper handling, lifting, moving, placing, crating, uncrating, and hanging works of art and collections pieces as requested.
  • Assist with the preparation of galleries for exhibitions and implementing exhibition designs.
  • Assists in the planning and coordination of the construction, maintenance and installation of temporary and permanent exhibits.
  • Operate single person and scissor lifts.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace.
  • This should not serve as a comprehensive list of responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
  • Experience with a variety of tools and equipment including but not limited to table saws, drill presses, power drills, routers, sanders, circular saws, sawdust extractor and paint sprayer.
  • Must have good physical and manual dexterity for fine detail work, ability to climb ladders, run forklifts, scissor lifts, stand for long periods and lift 50+ pounds.
  • Must be flexible, open to change, and trying new approaches.
  • Ability to operate and maintain shop equipment.
  • Ability to have attention to detail and craftsmanship.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to meet deadlines independently, and exercise creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent computer skills including competency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Extended hours occasionally required during installs.
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here to apply.

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