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Museum Exhibit Designer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

... exhibit, or fixture design are encouraged to apply!) * 2-5 years of experience developing physical ... Experience in experiential marketing, retail displays, trade shows, museum exhibits, architectural ...

Museum Exhibit Designer information

See Oregon salary details

$43.9K

$65.9K

$99.4K

How much do museum exhibit designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum exhibit designer in Oregon is $65,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $71,400.00 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 Oregon?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Museum Exhibit Designer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,879 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Exhibits Senior Technical Designer

OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry

Portland, OR • On-site

$38K/yr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) is currently seeking a Exhibits Senior Technical Designer, who serves as a liaison between the Exhibits Design, Fabrication, and Exhibit Leadership teams. Through exhibition design phases, the Exhibits Senior Technical Designer provides feedback to ensure that designs are feasible, on budget, and optimized for production before they move into fabrication. This position is responsible for translating design intent drawings into detailed technical requirements, identifying potential fabrication hurdles, and suggesting material or structural alternatives that maintain aesthetic integrity while improving buildability. This role is responsible for generating computer-aided design (CAD) files, detailed assembly drawing sets of interactive experiences, exhibit components, and products, and assuring quality control of all CAD and CNC products produced by OMSI.This is a regular, part-time position working 20 hours per week.For a comprehensive list of essential duties, please see the full job description in our job listing. What We're Looking For:Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent combination of experience and education;Portfolio demonstrating skills and talents – including a minimum of 3 years experience as a CAD Detailer, Production Detailer, or similar technical drafting role - with an emphasis on the following:Examples of projects using CAD and design software, from design to manufacturing; Examples of implementing equity, inclusion, and accessibility into client designs e.g. supporting wayfinding, engagement, and targeting of new audiences;Examples of co-designing with diverse teams and stakeholders on complex and multi-stage projects while maintaining brand consistency and quality of work;Examples of effective project management and/or coordination. Business Practices:Ability to write and communicate complex and technical information to both public and professional audiences;Effective project management skills, with an emphasis on managing and tracking multiple projects-often with overlapping and time-sensitive deadlines;Demonstrated ability to effectively pivot between individual and team-based work on multiple, simultaneous, and diverse tasks;Ability to interface well with paid and unpaid staff, participants, and partners in professional, education, research, and evaluation settings;Ability to work under pressure and explore new design challenges, with an emphasis on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through a racial equity lens;Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OutlookAbility to adhere to high standards of confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements;Exercises sound judgment while upholding high integrity and ethical standards. Design and Manufacturing Knowledge and Abilities:Developed proficiency with CAD (3D Design) workflow from design through manufacturing;Developed proficiency at taking concepts from sketch to reality with prototype fabrication;Ability to think and design in three dimensions to predict and address potential concerns around efficacy, safety, and efficiency (both build and cost) of created designs and environments;Ability to manage vendor relations with printers and other design-centric contractors;Demonstrated understanding of technical and aesthetic experiences with an emphasis on layouts, wayfinding, and signage. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Knowledge:Knowledge of current equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice theories and practical applications, including critical theories of systemic oppression, unconscious bias, and personal identity and intersectionality matters. PREFERENCES:Advanced experience in Fusion 360 and AutoCAD;Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite;Strong understanding of fabrication methods, construction techniques, and production materials;Excellent oral and written communication skills in a non-English priority language in Oregon. Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks and reference checks are required for this position.


OMSI logo

About OMSI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Museums and historical sites

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1944