Set and Exhibit Designers

Set and Exhibit Designers score 39 out of 100, which is moderate exposure to AI. That ranks #428 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 27 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 0 on its own and 20 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 4 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

39/ 100

Moderate

Rank: #428of 923 jobs
US workers: 10,630BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $75,240a year
In real AI use: 4 of 27tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 20 (74%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 7 (26%)

Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about set and exhibit designers and AI

Will AI replace set and exhibit designers?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Set and Exhibit Designers score 39 out of 100 (moderate exposure), #428 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 20 of the job's 27 tasks, 0 of them on its own, while 7 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which set and exhibit designers tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations"; "Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed"; "Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting".

Which set and exhibit designers tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets"; "Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements"; "Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 4 of the 27 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as set and exhibit designers, and what do they earn?

About 10,630 people in the US, with median pay of $75,240 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.