Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Also called: Decorator, Display Associate, Display Decorator, Display Specialist
US median pay
$39,390
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
17,200
164,800 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
What they do day to day
- Plan commercial displays to entice and appeal to customers.
- Arrange properties, furniture, merchandise, backdrops, or other accessories, as shown in prepared sketches.
- Change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
- Place prices or descriptive signs on backdrops, fixtures, merchandise, or floor.
- Consult with store managers, buyers, sales associates, housekeeping staff, or engineering staff to determine appropriate placement of displays or products.
- Maintain props, products, or mannequins, inspecting them for imperfections, doing touch-ups, cleaning up after customers, or applying preservative coatings as necessary.
- Develop ideas or plans for merchandise displays or window decorations.
- Assemble or set up displays, furniture, or products in store space, using colors, lights, pictures, or other accessories to display the product.
- Install booths, exhibits, displays, carpets, or drapes, as guided by floor plan of building or specifications.
- Select themes, lighting, colors, or props to be used.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.9/5
- Systems Analysis2.4/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Sales and Marketing3.8/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
- Design2.8/5
- Computers and Electronics2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma39%
- Some college20%
- Bachelor's degree18%
Who this job suits
Mostly Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.