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Average Set and Exhibit Designers Salary in California

Set and Exhibit Designers in California command an impressive average annual salary of $102,910, significantly outpacing the national average of $79,890. This substantial difference is driven by California's robust entertainment industry, high demand for creative professionals, and the generally higher compensation expected in a state with a dynamic economy.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $102,910 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $142,230.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,770 Set and Exhibit Designers, California demonstrates a considerable concentration of talent. The Location Quotient of 2.18 indicates that this profession is more than twice as prevalent in California compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and active job market with consistent demand for these specialized skills.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$102,910

The average Set and Exhibit Designers in California earns+28.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$49.5

Weekly

$1,979

Monthly

$8,576

Set and Exhibit Designers Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Set and Exhibit Designers in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and proven track records can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$49,720$23.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$77,183$37.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$100,020$48.1
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$128,638$61.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$142,230$68.4

Detailed Set and Exhibit Designers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$102,910

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$74,303

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average salary of $102,910 is substantial, California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. This necessitates careful financial planning, as the higher nominal salary is partially offset by increased living costs, particularly in major metropolitan areas.

Job Market Context

2,770

Total Jobs

0.153

Per 1K Jobs

2.18

Location Quotient

Major Hub

California has 2.2x the national concentration of Set and Exhibit Designers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.18 for Set and Exhibit Designers in California signifies a highly concentrated market. This suggests that the state is a major hub for this profession, offering abundant opportunities but also potentially indicating a competitive landscape where employers have access to a large pool of skilled candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Set and Exhibit Designerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Set and Exhibit Designers make in California?

The median annual salary for a Set and Exhibit Designers in California is $102,910. This typically ranges from $49,720 for entry-level positions to $142,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 28.8% higher than the national median of $79,890.

Is California a lucrative place for Set and Exhibit Designers?

Yes, California is a lucrative state for Set and Exhibit Designers.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of the profession indicates strong demand and opportunity within the state.

Is California a good place to live for Set and Exhibit Designers?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the number of Set and Exhibit Designers in California compare nationally?

California employs 2,770 Set and Exhibit Designers, and its Location Quotient of 2.18 shows the profession is more than twice as common there as the national average.

What is the Cost of Living impact on a Set and Exhibit Designer's salary in California?

California's Cost of Living Index is 138.5, meaning that while the $102,910 salary is high, the actual purchasing power is reduced due to higher expenses compared to the national average.

Are there many job opportunities for Set and Exhibit Designers in California?

The Location Quotient of 2.18 suggests a robust market with a high concentration of jobs relative to the national average, indicating good potential for employment.

How does experience affect a Set and Exhibit Designer's salary in California?

Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level designers earning less and senior professionals commanding significantly higher salaries, reflecting a clear career growth path.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,770 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.153 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Set and Exhibit Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California