Set and Exhibit Designers
Medium47.21%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$32,240
Median$59,490
High (90th %)$113,740
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Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
The occupation "Set and Exhibit Designers" has an automation risk of 47.2%, which is slightly below its base risk of 48.1%. This means that while nearly half of the tasks involved in this career could potentially be automated, a significant portion remains resistant to automation. The nature of the job often involves a blend of creative, logistical, and technical expertise, making it moderately vulnerable to advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. Automation systems and design software are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly for repetitive and technical tasks, which raises the risk level above many other creative professions. However, the demands for originality and nuanced interpretation still provide a protective buffer against full automation. Among the most automatable tasks for set and exhibit designers are those closely tied to standard processes and digital tools. For example, developing set designs based on scripts, budgeting, research, and available locations involves a methodical evaluation of parameters, which can be replicated by advanced AI and design platforms. Similarly, preparing rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties, relies heavily on CAD and simulation software, making these tasks ripe for automation. Lastly, generating preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits with specifications for construction, layout, and effects can be systematically produced by modern rendering engines, further increasing the automation risk for these components of the job. Despite these vulnerabilities, some tasks remain stubbornly resistant to automation. Providing supportive materials for exhibits, such as press kits, advertising content, and brochures, often requires not just design skill but also an understanding of audience engagement and branding, areas where human creativity and strategic thinking are essential. Coordinating the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after events involves physical presence, adaptability, and nuanced problem-solving—qualities that are currently out of reach for most automated systems. Additionally, incorporating security systems into exhibit layouts demands a keen awareness of venue-specific realities and emergent challenges, which typically rely on human judgment and experience. The bottleneck skill of originality, rated at just 3.9%, suggests that while many technical aspects can be digitized, the unique creative input required for impactful set and exhibit design remains a crucial human advantage—reinforcing the continued necessity of skilled designers, even as the profession evolves.
Filter by Automatable Status
Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
Partially Automatable
Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
Partially Automatable
Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
Partially Automatable
Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
Partially Automatable
Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
Non-Automatable
Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
Partially Automatable
Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.
Partially Automatable
Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.
Partially Automatable
Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs.
Partially Automatable
Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.
Partially Automatable
Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.
Partially Automatable
Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.
Partially Automatable
Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.
Non-Automatable
Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.
Partially Automatable
Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.
Partially Automatable
Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds.
Partially Automatable
Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use.
Partially Automatable
Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction.
Partially Automatable
Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures.
Partially Automatable
Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete.
Partially Automatable
Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations.
Partially Automatable
Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.
Partially Automatable
Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
Partially Automatable
Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesTime ManagementManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems Analysis
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking Creatively
Act-3D Quest3DFigure 53 QLabOracle DatabaseAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft AccessStructured query language SQLAdobe After EffectsUNIXMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordDassault Systemes SolidWorksCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteAutodesk MayaAdobe DirectorComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareAutoDesSys form ZAutoDesSys form ZMcNeel Rhinoceros 3DMcNeel Rhinoceros 3DAdobe IllustratorOracle DatabaseAct-3D Quest3DNemetschek Vectorworks SpotlightAdobe After EffectsAdobe PhotoshopAdobe InDesignGraphics softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteAutodesk MayaAdobe DirectorStructured query language SQLUNIXTrimble SketchUp ProAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCADGraphics softwareTrimble SketchUp ProAutodesk 3ds MaxComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareMaxon Cinema 4DFigure 53 QLabAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatAdobe InDesignAutodesk RevitAutodesk RevitAutodesk 3ds MaxMaxon Cinema 4DNemetschek Vectorworks SpotlightAdobe IllustratorMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe Creative Cloud softwareMicrosoft Access
Video Game Designers
Medium46.94%
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Medium48.97%
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Landscape Architects
Medium49.03%
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Medium55.34%
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium44.62%
Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Curators
Medium44.14%
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Medium34.84%
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Art Directors
Medium42.81%
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Craft Artists
Medium47.40%
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Medium39.27%
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Medium45.29%
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Fashion Designers
Medium42.81%
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Graphic Designers
Medium56.74%
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Interior Designers
Medium48.98%
Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Low30.74%
Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
Costume Attendants
Medium44.55%
Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.53%
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Medium53.64%
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Model Makers, Wood
Medium42.20%
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Actors
Low19.10%
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Choreographers
Low28.57%
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
Medium52.63%
Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).
Photographers
Medium49.91%
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
Models
Low32.12%
Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.