Enabling visitors to walk through a Pharaoh's sarcophagus, experience a realistic trip through the Renaissance or feel the crushing weight of the Pompeii ruins, museum exhibit designers work to display art and historical items. Museum exhibit designers, also known as curators, often seek out the pieces to include in their exhibits, contacting other museums, artists and private collectors to solicit work for the display.
Facts
Museum exhibit designers across the country earned a national average salary of approximately $52,330 per year in 2009, as reported in the 2009 U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics' wages study. Exhibit designers working for the federal executive branch of the government had the opportunity to earn at the far higher rate of $80,270. Elementary and secondary schools also paid at a higher rate of $61,320, followed by colleges with an annual mean wage of $58,020.
Location
Choice of location had a significant impact on museum exhibit designer salaries in 2009. The District of Columbia led the country with its annual mean wage for designers at $77,410, $17,000 higher than any other state. In second place was California, paying $60,890. Also paying higher rates were Maryland at $59,160, New York at $57,960 and Illinois at $57,290.
Considerations
An appreciation and knowledge of a specific period of art or history may be beneficial to a museum exhibit designer, but an established path of education is usually a requirement. Master's and doctoral level studies of museology, archaeology, art history or other related fields are often the best way to prepare for the position. Museum exhibit designers may also serve as interns or apprentices at a museum before beginning to earn a salary in the position.
Outlook
Employment in the field of museum exhibit design is expected to rise 23 percent and add 2,700 jobs through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS recommends persons interested in earning a salary as a curator seek out part-time positions or even internships as a possible foot in the door of a competitive industry.
