Set and Exhibit Designers salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Set and Exhibit Designers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $50,640 a year ($24.35 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $43,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,000 for the top 10%. That is 33% lower than the national median of $75,240. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $50,640. There are 0.10 set and exhibit designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $53,600, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for set and exhibit designers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| 25th percentile | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| Median | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| 75th percentile | $54,080 | $26.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,000 | $33.65 |
| Average (mean) | $53,600 | $25.77 |
Half of set and exhibit designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,220 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,110 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,947.69 |
| Weekly | $973.85 |
| Hourly | $24.35 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $50,640 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for set and exhibit designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $105,030 |
| Maryland | $80,540 |
| Washington | $77,230 |
| District of Columbia | $76,900 |
| New Jersey | $76,380 |
| Massachusetts | $74,540 |
| Nebraska | $73,980 |
| Indiana | $72,200 |
| Georgia | $67,210 |
| Minnesota | $66,090 |
See Set and Exhibit Designers pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $56,520 | $27.17 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Interior Designer | $57,840 | $27.81 |
| Art Director | $90,000 | $43.27 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $77,570 | $37.30 |
| Floral Designer | $37,590 | $18.07 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,660 | $33.97 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,710 | — |
| Editor | $63,720 | $30.64 |
| Producers and Directors | $62,370 | $29.99 |
| Technical Writer | $69,450 | $33.39 |
| Photographer | $42,080 | $20.23 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,400 | $26.63 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $54,230 | $26.07 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1027. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a set and exhibit designers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for set and exhibit designers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $50,640 a year, or $24.35 an hour. Pay ranges from $43,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid set and exhibit designers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of set and exhibit designers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $70,000 a year. The top 25% earn $54,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for set and exhibit designers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,680 a year, and a quarter of set and exhibit designers earn $50,640 or less.
How many set and exhibit designers work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 40 set and exhibit designers are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.