Set and Exhibit Designers
Machines can already do 29% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 59%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Set and Exhibit Designers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 29% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 59% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 10,630 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $75,240 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Designer, Display Coordinator, Exhibit Coordinator, Exhibit Designer.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations | 11% | 35% to 65% | |
| Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed | 11% | 35% to 65% | |
| Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting | 6% | 30% to 60% | |
| Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets | 6% | 30% to 60% | |
| Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements | 6% | 30% to 60% | |
| Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements | 6% | 10% to 30% | |
| Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions | 5% | 40% to 75% | |
| Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary | 5% | 45% to 80% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills set and exhibit designers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Producers and Directors56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $90,360
- Event Hosts and Emcees56% of tasks by 2035
- Fashion Designers58% of tasks by 2035 · US median $80,960
- Stand-up Comedians54% of tasks by 2035
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Set and Exhibit Designers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of set and exhibit designers?
Machines can do 29% of the tasks of set and exhibit designers today and 59% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 27-1027.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Set and Exhibit Designers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/set-and-exhibit-designers/