Set and Exhibit Designers salary in North Carolina
Set and Exhibit Designers in North Carolina earn a median of $49,410 a year ($23.76 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $22,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,510 for the top 10%. That is 34% lower than the national median of $75,240. North Carolina ranks 23rd of 26 states for set and exhibit designers pay. The average (mean) salary is $51,440, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for set and exhibit designers in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,160 | $10.65 |
| 25th percentile | $42,370 | $20.37 |
| Median | $49,410 | $23.76 |
| 75th percentile | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $87,510 | $42.07 |
| Average (mean) | $51,440 | $24.73 |
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 | $4,117.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,058.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,900.38 |
| Weekly | $950.19 |
| Hourly | $23.76 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,410 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Carolina 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 |
Related jobs in North Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,960 | $18.25 |
| Graphic Designer | $58,450 | $28.10 |
| Interior Designer | $61,400 | $29.52 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,620 | $38.76 |
| Floral Designer | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Fashion Designer | $74,990 | $36.05 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $88,350 | $42.48 |
| Designers, All Other | $51,740 | $24.88 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $81,850 | $39.35 |
| Art Director | $90,000 | $43.27 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $67,230 | $32.32 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $43,840 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $63,700 | $30.62 |
| Technical Writer | $86,320 | $41.50 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
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 North Carolina?
The median salary for set and exhibit designers in North Carolina is $49,410 a year, or $23.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,510 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid set and exhibit designers make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of set and exhibit designers in North Carolina earn at least $87,510 a year. The top 25% earn $60,150 or more.
What is the starting pay for set and exhibit designers in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,160 a year, and a quarter of set and exhibit designers earn $42,370 or less.