Exhibit Technician

Career Guide

An Exhibit Technician builds, installs, maintains, and troubleshoots exhibits for museums, trade shows, visitor centers, and events. The role blends hands-on fabrication, safe installation, and basic technical support so exhibits look professional, function reliably, and stay safe for the public.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Build and assemble exhibit components from drawings or instructions
Install exhibits on site, including mounting, leveling, and anchoring
Maintain exhibits through routine checks, cleaning, and minor repairs
Troubleshoot lighting, audio, video, and interactive components
Handle materials and tools safely, including lifts and ladders when needed
Pack, transport, and stage exhibit parts for shipping and setup
Track parts, supplies, and tools to support efficient installs
Document issues and repairs so recurring problems are reduced
Coordinate with designers, project managers, and venue staff during installs
Follow safety requirements and protect visitors, staff, and artifacts

Top Skills for Success

Hand Tool Use

Power Tool Use

Woodworking

Metal Fabrication

Painting and Finishing

Rigging Safety

Basic Electrical Wiring

Lighting Setup

Audio Setup

Video Setup

Troubleshooting

Blueprint Reading

Measurement Accuracy

Material Handling

Documentation

Customer Service

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Exhibit Technician

Installation Technician

Museum Preparators Assistant

Event Production Technician

AV Technician

Transition Opportunities

Senior Exhibit Technician

Exhibit Fabrication Lead

Exhibit Installer Lead

Museum Preparator

Exhibits Project Coordinator

Exhibits Project Manager

Exhibit Production Manager

Exhibit Designer

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Safety ComplianceRigging SafetyBasic Electrical WiringAudio SetupVideo SetupInventory ManagementPreventive MaintenanceTechnical DocumentationClient CommunicationQuality Control

Development SuggestionsBuild a small portfolio with before and after photos, a short description of your role, and the tools you used. Practice reading drawings and creating simple build notes. Ask to shadow installs to learn site coordination and safety routines. Strengthen basic electrical and AV troubleshooting through supervised work and structured training.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 38,000 to 52,000

Mid LevelUSD 52,000 to 72,000

Senior LevelUSD 72,000 to 95,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring rises with event schedules, museum refresh cycles, and growth in immersive and interactive exhibits. Contract and project-based work is common.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

MuseumsScience CentersChildren’s MuseumsAquariumsZoosTrade Show Exhibit HousesExperiential Marketing AgenciesEvent Production CompaniesTheme ParksVisitor CentersUniversitiesGovernment Cultural Institutions

Industry Sectors

Museums and Cultural OrganizationsEvents and Trade ShowsLive EntertainmentEducationTourism and AttractionsRetail and Brand Experiences

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio with photos of builds, installs, and repairs

Document three troubleshooting examples with the steps you took and the outcome

Complete workplace safety training relevant to lifts, ladders, and basic rigging

Practice blueprint reading and accurate measurement on small build projects

Learn basic lighting, audio, and video setup used in exhibits

Build a checklist for preventive maintenance and use it on a real exhibit

Network with local museums and exhibit shops for contract and seasonal opportunities