Should you be looking at a career in interior design, or are already in the profession, and are wondering whether your salary is coming in the right amount, then you have come to the right place. The interior design salary conversation goes way beyond a simple number. It’s about understanding what drives compensation, which states pay the most, how experience shapes your earning power, and what the industry looks like heading into 2025 and beyond.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about interior designer income, backed by real data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, Glassdoor, Indeed, and other trusted sources. We will discuss entry-level expectations, career growth in the middle of a career, earnings of senior designers, geographic hot spots, and practical methods of increasing your salary. In addition to that, I will present information about the latest trends, the niche segments, and the resources that can make your career take the next level.
What Is the Average Interior Design Salary in 2024-2025?
We can begin with the baseline figures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for interior designers was $63,490 in May 2024. This implies that 50 percent of all interior designers made over this sum, and 50 percent made below this sum.
However, this is where it becomes interesting. Monitored by various salary platforms present slightly different averages because of the ways of data collection:
- PayScale reports an average interior design salary of $60,452 in 2025
- Indeed shows interior designers earning around $72,258 per year based on job postings
- Glassdoor indicates an average of $77,644 annually
- Salary.com places the median at approximately $59,920 per year
Why the variation? These sources are varied. Some of them are based on self-reported data, others are based on job posting data, and others are based on a combination of employer-reported and government statistical data. The BLS data tends to be the most conservative because it’s drawn from official employer surveys.
Breaking Down the Interior Design Salary Range
The compensation for interior designers spans a wide spectrum. The 10 percent of earners earn less than 38,480 a year, and the 10 percent of earners earn over 106,090 a year. That is almost a threefold disparity between the lowest and highest levels.
Here’s how the interior designer pay scale typically breaks down across percentiles:
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
| 10th Percentile | $38,480 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,000-$58,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $63,490 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,000-$104,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $106,090+ |
This variety is an indicator of the variety of the interior design work. A recent graduate working at a small residential firm in Mississippi will earn considerably less than a senior designer at a prestigious commercial design firm in New York City. You do not earn the same as your parents did because you decide where to live, what to specialize in, how to educate yourself, and your career strategy.
How Much Do Interior Designers Make at Different Career Stages?
Your interior design career earnings evolve significantly as you gain experience, build your portfolio, and develop specialized skills. Let’s break down the typical interior design salary expectations at each career level.
Entry Level Interior Design Salary (0-3 Years Experience)
Newly graduated or first designing job? Low level jobs are accompanied by education and lower salaries. According to PayScale, an entry-level interior designer with less than one year of experience earns an average total compensation of $46,600 based on 186 reported salaries.
Other sources indicate a bit different number of entry-level designers:
- Glassdoor: $54,395 per year (range: $43,882-$67,928)
- ZipRecruiter: $72,849 per year (though this seems high for true entry-level)
- Salary.com: $53,902 median annual salary
- Jobted: Around $40,000 starting salary
The most realistic expectation for someone just entering the field is $40,000-$55,000 annually, depending on location and the type of firm. The job positions are usually entry-level, and this entails:
- Helping senior designers with project work.
- Production of design boards and samples of materials.
- Training on CAD software and rendering programs.
- Organizing office work and interacting with clients.
- Furniture choice and space planning.
Much of the entry level interior designing is done in architectural firms, studios, furniture stores, or home improvement stores. It is a phase of study and development of portfolios and not high profits.
Early Career Interior Designers (Less than 4 Years Experience)
Once you have been in the business for at least a year or two, you can expect to receive more pay. PayScale reports that early career interior designers with 1-4 years of experience earn an average total compensation of $55,429 based on 2,177 salaries.
At this point, you are leaving the assistance business behind and beginning to:
- Do your individual smaller projects.
- Build customer relationships.
- Develop your style of design and specialization.
- Develop the professional portfolio.
- Potentially pursue NCIDQ certification
Your salary range during these years typically falls between $50,000-$65,000, with faster growth if you’re in a high-demand market or specialized niche.
Interior Designers (5-9 Years Experience) in mid career.
You have between five and nine years of experience in the profession and are now a competent professional. Jobted reports that mid-career interior designers with 4-9 years of experience earn an average salary of $60,000. This, however, appears to be conservative as compared to other sources of data.
More realistically, interior designers in this experience bracket typically earn $60,000-$75,000 annually. At this level, you’re likely:
- Working on complete projects on their own.
- Presentations and design development for leading clients.
- Managing the junior designers.
- Being a residential, commercial, hospitality, or another niche.
- Developing a good working network.
This is where your career decisions begin to count in terms of the income you are likely to earn. Designers who pursue certifications, develop a unique style, or move into specialized areas like sustainable design or healthcare design often see accelerated salary growth.
Interior Designers (10- 20 Years Experience)
Designers who are older than 10 years pay a much higher wage. Jobted reports that senior interior designers with 10-20 years of experience make around $73,000 on average, though many sources indicate this is the lower end.
Glassdoor data shows experienced interior designers with at least 5 years can earn $63,072 to $178,229, with the higher end typically reserved for design directors, principals, and those running their own successful firms.
Senior designers typically earn $70,000-$95,000 working for firms, with higher potential for those who:
- Chair key business projects.
- Employment with prestigious national companies.
- Have NCIDQ certification and state licensure
- Specialize in high-value sectors like luxury residential or corporate design
- Lead teams and handle various projects at the same time.
- Master Interior Designers (more than 20 Years of experience).
Master Interior Designers (20+ Years Experience)
Experienced designers with a record of lengthy service in the business usually attain the highest pay scales. According to Jobted, those with 20+ years of experience earn around $90,000 per year on average, though this can easily exceed six figures for successful firm owners or design directors.
At this career stage, your compensation for interior designers often includes:
- Base salary of $90,000-$150,000+ at major firms
- Partnership or profit sharing.
- Rewards are based on the success of the project.
- Speaking rates and consulting revenue.
- Product line or brand association revenue.
A large number of those designers have moved on to owning their own companies, where revenue possibilities become almost infinite but also more fluctuate with business performance.
Interior Design Salary by State: Where Do Designers Earn the Most?
The place has a drastic impact on the amount of money interior designers will make. Regional compensation is affected by the cost of living, demand for design services, construction process, and concentration of high-net-worth clients.
Highest Paying States for Interior Designers
Based on multiple sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, and industry surveys, these states offer the highest average salaries for interior designers:
Top 10 Highest-Paying States:
- District of Columbia – $80,460 average annual salary
- Washington – $82,509 (according to ZipRecruiter’s data)
- Massachusetts – $76,350 average salary
- Alaska – $69,500 (surprisingly high due to cost of living adjustments)
- California – $66,091
- New York – $64,000-$79,700 depending on source
- New Jersey – $64,947
- Connecticut – $64,036
- Rhode Island – $66,000+
- Oregon – High, according to multiple sources
Alaska’s placement at #4 surprises many people. The remote geographical location of the state, the high cost of living, and the necessity to recruit and retain highly proficient specialists contribute to the rise in salaries in most professions, including interior design.
Interior Design Salary by State: Complete Breakdown
The following is a more detailed analysis of the way interior design wages differ in the United States:
High-Paying Regions ($60,000-$80,000+ average):
- West Coast: California, Washington, Oregon
- Northeast Corridor: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey
- Mountain West: Colorado ($61,136), Idaho, Utah
Middle-Range States ($54,000-$60,000 average):
- Illinois ($61,076)
- Maryland ($61,783)
- Minnesota ($61,316)
- Colorado
- Hawaii ($62,628)
- New Hampshire ($60,575)
- Delaware ($60,681)
Lower-Paying States ($45,000-$54,000 average):
- South Carolina
- Mississippi ($53,436)
- Arkansas ($54,131)
- Alabama ($55,048)
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
The difference between the most and least well-paid states is great. An interior designer in Washington, DC might earn 70-80% more than a designer doing similar work in Mississippi or South Carolina.
What is the reason behind such dramatic differences? Several factors:
- Cost of living: High-cost places require higher costs on workers to cover the cost of their houses.
- Concentration of wealth: Regions that have higher clients with higher incomes favor higher design charges.
- Density in industry: Cities that have high-design build good job markets.
- Construction activity: Real estate markets are strong, which creates more design work.
- Licensure laws: State licensure might increase average wages.
Top Cities for Interior Designer Salaries: Comprehensive Metro Area Guide
The metropolises usually pay even higher than the state averages. Your choice of city can make a difference of $30,000-$50,000 in annual compensation. We will take a closer look at what each of the major markets has to offer.
Full Brow Top 25 best-paying Cities for Interior Designer.
The following is the city-by-city breakdown of interior design salary information in America, in the most comprehensive way:
| Rank | City | Average Annual Salary | Number of Active Designers | Cost of Living Index* |
| 1 | New York City, NY | $110,000 | 4,770 | Very High (187) |
| 2 | Los Angeles, CA | $85,000 | 4,690 | Very High (173) |
| 3 | San Francisco, CA | $80,000-$90,000 | 1,200+ | Extremely High (198) |
| 4 | Seattle, WA | $70,842 | 1,330 | High (172) |
| 5 | Boston, MA | $68,000-$75,000 | 900+ | High (162) |
| 6 | Washington, DC | $75,000-$82,000 | 1,100+ | Very High (152) |
| 7 | San Diego, CA | $68,951 | 800 | High (160) |
| 8 | Portland, OR | $66,235 | 600 | Moderate-High (140) |
| 9 | Chicago, IL | $62,000-$68,000 | 1,800+ | Moderate-High (120) |
| 10 | Denver, CO | $63,000-$70,000 | 850+ | Moderate-High (129) |
| 11 | Austin, TX | $60,000-$66,000 | 650+ | Moderate (119) |
| 12 | Miami, FL | $60,000-$65,000 | 900+ | Moderate-High (123) |
| 13 | Atlanta, GA | $57,000-$63,000 | 1,200+ | Moderate (105) |
| 14 | Philadelphia, PA | $58,000-$64,000 | 750+ | Moderate (113) |
| 15 | Phoenix, AZ | $55,000-$61,000 | 600+ | Moderate (108) |
| 16 | Dallas, TX | $58,000-$65,000 | 900+ | Moderate (102) |
| 17 | Houston, TX | $56,000-$62,000 | 800+ | Moderate (95) |
| 18 | Minneapolis, MN | $60,000-$66,000 | 500+ | Moderate (112) |
| 19 | Charlotte, NC | $55,000-$60,000 | 450+ | Moderate (97) |
| 20 | Nashville, TN | $54,000-$59,000 | 400+ | Moderate (101) |
| 21 | Raleigh, NC | $54,000-$60,000 | 350+ | Moderate (99) |
| 22 | Salt Lake City, UT | $56,000-$62,000 | 300+ | Moderate (104) |
| 23 | Las Vegas, NV | $54,000-$60,000 | 450+ | Moderate (106) |
| 24 | Columbus, OH | $52,000-$57,000 | 400+ | Low-Moderate (92) |
| 25 | Indianapolis, IN | $50,000-$56,000 | 350+ | Low-Moderate (89) |
Cost of living index: US = 100. Greater figures represent more costly urban areas.
In-depth: 10 Best Cities to be an interior designer.
What is so special about these markets and what would you realistically expect in each of them:
- New York City, New York
- Average Salary: $110,000 (Bespoke Careers 2025 data)
- Salary Range: $64,230 – $118,210
- Active Designers: 4,770 (highest concentration in the US)
- Entry-Level: $52,000-$65,000
- Mid-Career: $75,000-$95,000
- Senior Level: $100,000-$150,000+
Why NYC Pays Top Dollar: New York City is the undisputed capital of American interior design. The luxury residential development, corporate headquarters, hospitality, and retail development form a huge demand. Designers in this category will have the richest clients in the world with a multi-million-dollar investment in an apartment, a celebrity-client base, and will design flagship stores of international brands.
The city hosts major firms like Gensler, Rockwell Group, and Roman and Williams. There is a strong competition, but so are the rewards. However, remember that NYC’s cost of living is 87% above the national average—your $110,000 salary has the purchasing power of about $59,000 in a mid-sized city.
Best Neighborhoods to design jobs: Manhattan (Midtown, Flatiron, Soho), Long Island City (Queens), DUMBO (Brooklyn).
- Los Angeles, California
- Average Salary: $85,000 (Bespoke Careers 2025)
- Salary Range: $60,000 – $110,000
- Active Designers: 4,690 (second-highest concentration)
- Entry-Level: $48,000-$60,000
- Mid-Career: $70,000-$90,000
- Senior Level: $95,000-$140,000+
Why LA is Lucrative: Los Angeles blends entertainment industry glamour with a booming residential market. Designers do celebrity homes, production sets, hospitality venues, and luxury condos. There is a unique pattern of design in the city because of the nature of indoor-outdoor life.
Major entertainment companies (Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros.) employ interior designers for set design and corporate spaces. The hospitality and wellness industries are very robust. There is also a booming furniture and decor industry in LA that provides other sources of income.
Living Standard: 73 percent higher than the national average. Best Places: West Hollywood, Culver City, Santa Monica, Downtown LA Arts District.
- San Francisco Bay Area, California
- Average Salary: $80,000-$90,000
- Salary Range: $65,000 – $125,000+
- Active Designers: 1,200+
- Entry-Level: $55,000-$68,000
- Mid-Career: $75,000-$95,000
- Senior Level: $100,000-$150,000+
The Tech Influence: San Francisco’s design market is heavily influenced by tech giants. Companies like Google, Facebook, Airbnb, and hundreds of startups invest heavily in creating innovative office environments. The interior designers of corporations in this area have high salaries.
The residential and hospitality market is also well-developed in the Bay Area, and tech-rich individuals are refurbishing households, and new hotels are being opened on a regular basis. Yet, it is the US market that is the most expensive – the cost of houses is astronomical.
Cost of Living: 98% above the national average. Best Areas: San Francisco (SOMA, Mission Bay), Oakland, San Jose, Palo Alto
- Seattle, Washington
- Average Salary: $70,842
- Salary Range: $55,000 – $95,000
- Active Designers: 1,330
- Entry-Level: $50,000-$62,000
- Mid-Career: $65,000-$80,000
- Senior Level: $85,000-$110,000+
Pacific Northwest Design Hub: Seattle’s design market benefits from tech giants (Amazon, Microsoft), aerospace (Boeing), and a culture that values good design. The rainy climate of the city implies that people spend a lot of money on inner spaces as they spend much time staying at home.
Sustainable design is particularly valued here. Designers with LEED certification and experience in biophilic design find premium opportunities. The design of the residential market is vibrant, and commercial offices are in a boom.
Cost of Living: 72% above the national average. Best Areas: Downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, Ballard, Bellevue
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Average Salary: $68,000-$75,000
- Salary Range: $52,000 – $98,000
- Active Designers: 900+
- Entry-Level: $48,000-$58,000
- Mid-Career: $62,000-$78,000
- Senior Level: $80,000-$105,000+
Historic Meets Modern: Boston’s design market combines historic preservation with modern innovation. Designers do it on the renovations of colonial houses and the latest biotech office buildings. The presence of many universities, hospitals, and technological corporations in the city opens up various possibilities.
Healthcare design is particularly strong given Boston’s status as a medical hub. Healthcare facility, lab, and senior living designers are presented with great opportunities.
Cost of Living: 62 percent higher than the national average. Best Areas: Back Bay, Seaport District, Cambridge, Somerville.
- Washington, DC Metro Area
- Average Salary: $75,000-$82,000
- Salary Range: $60,000 – $105,000
- Active Designers: 1,100+
- Entry-Level: $52,000-$65,000
- Mid-Career: $70,000-$85,000
- Senior Level: $90,000-$120,000+
Government + Corporate Design: DC’s unique position as the nation’s capital creates steady demand for interior designers. Design services are required by government contracts, lobbying firms, law offices, and even international organizations. The market is stable and less cyclical as compared to most cities.
High paying government facility design may be available to the security clearance holder. Corporate office design of nonprofits and associations is also good.
Cost of Living: 52 per cent over the national average. Better Areas: Downtown DC, Georgetown, Arlington, VA, Bethesda, MD
- San Diego, California
- Average Salary: $68,951
- Salary Range: $52,000 – $92,000
- Active Designers: 800
- Entry-Level: $45,000-$56,000
- Mid-Career: $60,000-$75,000
- Senior Level: $78,000-$98,000+
Coastal Living Design: San Diego’s perpetual sunshine creates a design aesthetic focused on indoor-outdoor living. Patios, outdoor kitchens, and areas that are in between indoors and outdoors are the areas that designers deal with extensively.
The biotech and healthcare industries are strong, as is hospitality design for the city’s tourist economy. Contracts in military bases are also opportunities.
Cost of Living: 60% expensive than the country. Best Areas: Downtown, La Jolla, North Park, Del Mar
- Portland, Oregon
- Average Salary: $66,235
- Salary Range: $50,000 – $88,000
- Active Designers: 600
- Entry-Level: $44,000-$54,000
- Mid-Career: $58,000-$72,000
- Senior Level: $75,000-$92,000+
Sustainable Design Capital: Portland has a reputation as a design-forward, environmentally conscious city. The designers in this case pay much attention to eco-friendly design, recycled furniture, and sustainable materials.
The artisan-centered design community in the city is produced by its DIY culture and support of local artisans. The salaries are also low compared to West Coast megacities, but the living standard is also affordable.
Housing: 40% over the national average. Best Areas: Pearl District, Alberta Arts District, Eastside
- Chicago, Illinois
- Average Salary: $62,000-$68,000
- Salary Range: $48,000 – $90,000
- Active Designers: 1,800+
- Entry-Level: $42,000-$52,000
- Mid-Career: $55,000-$70,000
- Senior Level: $72,000-$95,000+
Midwest Design Powerhouse: Chicago offers big-city opportunities with more reasonable living costs than coastal cities. The architectural tradition is high, and the city appreciates good design. Large corporations have their head offices generating stable business.
The residential market is active, and the city’s world-class restaurant scene provides hospitality design opportunities. Chicago firms often have regional reach across the Midwest.
Cost of Living: 20 percent higher than the national average. Best Areas: River North, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park.
- Denver, Colorado
- Average Salary: $63,000-$70,000
- Salary Range: $50,000 – $92,000
- Active Designers: 850+
- Entry-Level: $46,000-$56,000
- Mid-Career: $60,000-$75,000
- Senior Level: $78,000-$98,000+
Mountain Modern Design: Denver’s booming population and strong economy have created a hot design market. The urban sophistication combined with outdoor recreation in the lifestyle of the city translates to interior design, which incorporates natural materials and mountain modern.
Tech companies and startups are flocking to Denver, creating commercial design opportunities. The residential market is highly dynamic, consisting of new construction and renovations.
Living Cost: 29% higher than the state average. Ideal Areas: LoDo, RiNo, Cherry Creek, Highlands.
Emerging Markets: Cities with Growing Design Opportunities
These cities do not pay as high as the markets at the coast, but they have high potential of growth and higher cost-of-living ratios:
Austin, Texas – Tech boom creating opportunities, $60,000-$66,000 average Nashville, Tennessee – Hospitality and residential growth, $54,000-$59,000 average Raleigh-Durham, NC – Research Triangle professionals investing in homes, $54,000-$60,000 Salt Lake City, UT – Growing tech scene, outdoor lifestyle influence, $56,000-$62,000 Charlotte, NC – Banking and finance headquarters, $55,000-$60,000 Phoenix, AZ – Rapid population growth, $55,000-$61,000
These cities have relatively good salaries but relatively low cost of living, which makes them appealing to designers seeking a good quality of life without having to spend too much money on houses.
Home Interior Design Salary: Complete Residential Designer Compensation Guide
In case you are particularly interested in home interior design, i.e. you are going to work with homeowners and not commercial clients, the salary situation will appear somewhat different. Let’s break down what residential interior designers actually earn and how this specialization compares to the broader field.
Average Salary for Home/Residential Interior Designers
According to Salary.com’s 2025 data, residential interior designers earn an average of $54,098 per year, which translates to about $26 per hour. This is around 10-15% lower than the median of the interior designers in general, due to the relatively small project bases and lower billing rates of residential projects.
Residential Interior Designer Salary Breakdown:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
| 10th Percentile | $41,000-$44,000 | Entry-level, small residential projects |
| 25th Percentile | $47,600-$49,700 | Early career residential designers |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $53,370-$54,098 | Mid-career with an established client base |
| 75th Percentile | $59,000-$62,000 | Experienced with luxury residential work |
| 90th Percentile | $68,000-$72,000 | Top residential designers, firm owners |
However, ZipRecruiter reports significantly higher figures for residential interior designers, showing an average of $72,849 per year with a range from $30,500 to $108,000. The difference is probably due to the gap between employed designers and the companies that they work in, and successful independent residential designers.
Salary Scale of Home Interior Designers by Experience
Residential Designers (Entry level) (0-2 years)
- Salary Range: $35,000 – $48,000
- Typical Hourly Rate: $17-$23
- Typical jobs: A Helping designer in a residential company, a low level designer in a furniture store.
- Projects: Understated room renovations, furniture choices, color appointments.
Early Career Home Designers (3-5 years)
- Salary Range: $45,000 – $58,000
- Typical Hourly Rate: $22-$28
- Typical Roles: Residential designer, independent consultant.
- Projects: Renovation of full rooms, kitchen/bath design, and home renovations.
The average salary of Mid-Career Residential Designers (6-10 years) is 5000
- Salary Range: $55,000 – $72,000
- Typical Hourly Rate: $26-$35
- Ordinary jobs: the senior residential designer, owner of a small firm.
- Projects: Whole-home designs, high end residential, builder partnerships.
Professional Home Interior Designers (11-20 years)
- Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000
- Typical Hourly Rate: $35-$50+
- Typical Job Titles: Principal designer, firm owner, established.
- Projects: High end residential, celebrity clients, design-build projects.
Master Interior Designers (20+ years)
- Salary Range: $80,000 – $150,000+
- Typical Hourly Rate: $50-$150+
- Typical jobs: owner Boutique firm, high-end residential expert.
- Projects: Multi-million dollar houses, show houses, and editorial projects.
Commercial vs. residential interior design salaries: the major difference
Let’s address the elephant in the room: residential interior designers typically earn 15-30% less than commercial designers. Herein lies the reason and significance to your career:
Salary Comparison Chart:
| Design Type | Average Salary | Typical Project Budgets | Billing Rates | Job Stability |
| Residential | $54,000-$72,000 | $5,000-$100,000+ | $50-$150/hour | Variable, seasonal |
| Commercial | $65,000-$95,000 | $50,000-$5M+ | $75-$200/hour | More stable |
| Healthcare | $70,000-$100,000 | $500K-$20M+ | $100-$250/hour | Very stable |
| Hospitality | $68,000-$110,000 | $100K-$10M+ | $85-$200/hour | Moderate |
| Corporate | $70,000-$105,000 | $100K-$10M+ | $90-$225/hour | Stable |
Why Residential Pays Less:
- Smaller Project Budgets – A living room redesign might cost $15,000 vs. a corporate office at $500,000
- Emotional Clients – Homeowners are using their own money, and they can be more demanding.
- Prolonged Sales Cycles – It is not an easy task to persuade the homeowners to commit.
- Less Repeat Business – Individuals do not design homes in a year; every 5-10 years.
- More Price Competition – It has fewer barriers to entry in residential design.
Why Some Designers Love Residential Anyway:
- Freedom of creation – Homes are more personalized compared to corporate areas.
- Direct Impact – You observe the way your work influences the lives of people.
- Diversity – There is no such thing as a homogenous home or homeowner.
- Relationship Building – More intimate, close client relationships.
- Flexible Schedule – Able to regulate your time.
- Reduced Stress – No life-safety code like in the case of healthcare or high-rise businesses.
The way Home Interior Designers actually make money
Residential interior designers use various compensation models. These are the things that can make you earn as much as possible:
- Hourly Rate Billing
- Range: $50-$150+ per hour
- Average: Between 75 and 100/hour when it comes to experienced designers.
- Advantages: Compensation time is fairly easy to monitor.
- Cons: Clients will be time conscious, restricting your earnings based on the number of hours worked.
- Flat Fee per Project
- Range: $2,000-$50,000+ depending on scope
- Average: $8,000-$15,000 for a full room or space
- Advantages: Unsurprising revenue, customers are aware of expenses beforehand.
- Cons: Scope creep is possible, should be able to estimate time.
- Percentage of Project Cost
- Range: 10-35% of total project budget
- Average: 15-20% for full-service residential
- Pros: Scales with project size, rewards efficient sourcing
- Cons: Can discourage cost-conscious design
- Cost-Plus Pricing
- Model: Wholesale cost + 25-40% markup
- Typical Markup: 30-35% for furniture, 20-25% for labor
- Pros: Transparent, covers your time and expertise
- Cons: Requires significant product knowledge, inventory risk
- Hybrid Models Most successful residential designers use combinations:
- Design fee ($3,000-$10,000) + purchasing markup (25-35%)
- Hourly consulting ($100-$150/hr) + project management fee (15%)
- Retainer ($1,500-$5,000/month) for ongoing design services
Real Example Income Scenarios:
Scenario 1: Entry-Level Residential Designer (Employed)
- Base Salary: $45,000/year
- Works for small residential firm
- Assists on 15-20 projects annually
- Benefits included
- Total Compensation: $45,000-$48,000
Scenario 2: Mid-Career Independent Residential Designer
- 8-10 projects per year
- Average project fee: $12,000
- Additional income from sourcing markups: $15,000
- Business expenses: $25,000
- Net Income: $75,000-$95,000
Scenario 3: Established Luxury Residential Designer
- 12-15 high-end projects annually
- Average project fee: $25,000
- Product procurement income: $40,000
- Speaking/teaching: $10,000
- Business expenses: $35,000
- Net Income: $140,000-$175,000
Residential Interior Designer Salary by State: Complete Breakdown
The same geographic salary differences afflict home interior designers just like the wider profession, with a few exceptions:
Top 15 States for Residential Interior Designer Salaries:
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary | Cost of Living Factor |
| 1 | California | $59,670 | High |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $59,897 | Very High |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $58,875 | High |
| 4 | Alaska | $58,561 | Very High |
| 5 | Connecticut | $57,815 | High |
| 6 | Maryland | $55,781 | Moderate-High |
| 7 | Minnesota | $55,359 | Moderate |
| 8 | Colorado | $55,196 | Moderate-High |
| 9 | Illinois | $55,142 | Moderate |
| 10 | Delaware | $54,785 | Moderate |
| 11 | Hawaii | $56,543 | Extremely High |
| 12 | Michigan | $53,276 | Moderate |
| 13 | Maine | $52,746 | Moderate |
| 14 | Arizona | $52,713 | Moderate |
| 15 | Georgia | $52,178 | Moderate |
Lower-Paying States for Residential Designers:
- Arkansas: $48,872
- Alabama: $49,700
- Idaho: $50,501
- Kentucky: $50,906
- Louisiana: $51,436
- Mississippi: $48,000-$50,000
- Oklahoma: $49,000-$51,000
- South Carolina: $48,500-$50,500
The trend is simple: the large metropolitan regions and coastal states have a much higher payment, even for residential design. But the high salaries are usually consumed by the high cost of living.
Niches In Home Interior Design: Residential Salary Niches.
Residential design is not everything. Majoring in certain features of home design will also increase your revenue significantly:
Kitchen and Bath Design
- Average Salary: $55,000-$75,000
- With CKD/CBD Certification: $65,000-$85,000
- Top Earners: $90,000+
- Kitchen and bath designers work on the most expensive rooms in the home. Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and Certified Bath Designer (CBD) credentials from NKBA increase earning power significantly.
Residential Interior Design Luxury
- Average Salary: $75,000-$120,000
- Top Markets: NYC, LA, SF, Miami, Aspen
- Project Values: $250,000-$5M+
- Designers who focus on ultra-high-net-worth clients charge high prices. The taste and relationship with luxury vendors and experience in custom fabrication are needed in this niche with high standards.
Home Staging and Real Estate Design
- Average Income: $45,000-$75,000
- Per-Project Fees: $500-$5,000
- Volume-Based Business: 50 -100 properties/year
- Home stagers furnish houses to be sold. It is high-volume, low-margin work, which can be extremely profitable under the right systems.
Environmentally-Conscious/Green Home Design
- Average Salary: $60,000-$85,000
- With LEED/WELL Credentials: $70,000-$95,000
- Green consumers make higher payments to designers who are able to manoeuvre through the eco-friendly materials, energy use systems, and green certification.
Smart Home Integration Design
- Average Salary: $65,000-$90,000
- New Niche: Large growth potential.
- As houses get more technologically controlled, technologically conscious designers are more appreciated. This area is an integration of interior design and home automation systems.
Aging-in-Place and Universal Design
- Average Salary: $58,000-$78,000
- Increasing Demand: Population of Baby Boomers.
- Designers who have the capacity to design beautiful spaces that can accommodate mobility challenges and the aging needs are in a huge and expanding market.
Income Potential: Employed vs. Independent Home Interior Designers
Your residential design earning power is significantly impacted by the kind of employment that you adopt:
Working for a Residential Interior Design Firm:
Advantages:
- Steady paycheck: $40,000-$75,000 depending on experience
- Health insurance, 401 (k), paid time off.
- Mentoring and systematic learning.
- Existing customer channel.
- Team support and resources
- Reduced business management pressures.
Disadvantages:
- Income ceiling (rarely above $80,000 unless you become a partner)
- Less creative control
- Project fees are mostly taken by the firm.
- Weak flexibility on the schedule.
Self-Employed/Freelance Residential Designer:
Advantages:
- Higher income ceiling ($80,000-$250,000+ possible)
- Complete creative freedom
- Select your clients and projects.
- Flexible schedule
- Several sources of revenue are available.
Disadvantages:
- Fluctuation and uncertainty of income.
- None (have to pay personal insurance)
- In charge of business development.
- Should be in charge of all business activities.
- Initial outlay and maintenance costs of the business.
Real Income Comparison:
Employed Residential Designer (5 years experience):
- Base Salary: $58,000
- Annual Bonus: $3,000
- Benefits Value: $12,000
- Total Compensation: $73,000
- Take-Home Stress: Low-Moderate.
Residential Designer (Self-Employed): (5 years experience):
- Project Revenue: $120,000
- Business Expenses: $35,000
- Health Insurance: $8,000
- Retirement Contribution: $10,000
- Net Income: $67,000
- But: Growth potential is unlimited.
- Take-Home Stress: Moderate-High.
The self-employed designer in the example is currently earning less but has a business with the potential for growth. By year 10, they could easily be earning $150,000+, while the employed designer might still be around $75,000-$85,000.
Residential Interior Design Income Reality Check
To tell the truth about the financial aspect of the interior design career in residential buildings:
Years 1-3: The Struggle Years
- Income: $35,000-$48,000
- Reality: Living lean, building a portfolio, lots of learning.
- Retail or part-time jobs are taken by a number of designers due to lack of income.
- This is at the time when most people drop out of the field.
Years 4-7: The Building Years
- Income: $48,000-$65,000
- Reality: Stabilizing work, forming a style, a reputation.
- Bargaining it to the last project.
- Making a beginning to think about the possible.
Years 8-15: The Growth Years
- Income: $65,000-$95,000
- Reality: Built a client base, referral business.
- Possibly to start my own company.
- There is predictability of income.
Years 15+: The Mastery Years
- Income: $90,000-$200,000+
- Reality: Versed in your market, choosy in project.
- Various sources of income (design, teaching, product lines).
- Business runs more smoothly
The truth: Most residential interior designers earn $45,000-$70,000 for the bulk of their careers. There are six-figure earners, but they are an exception and not the norm. But then, with specialization, location, and development of business being strategic, the six figures mark is not impossibly far away.
The interior design work does not always pay equally. Your specialization and industry are also very influential in terms of earning potential. We should discuss the comparison of various sectors.
Salaries of interior designers by Industry Sector
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the median annual incomes of interior designers are different depending on the industry:
- Engineering and architectural services – Better than average.
- Design services specialization – Near median
- Home furnishing stores and furniture- Lower than average.
- Building material and supplies dealers – Below average.
Glassdoor’s data reveals even more detailed industry breakdowns:
Highest-Paying Industries for Interior Designers:
- Information Technology – $103,293 median total pay
- Government & Public Administration – $90,931
- Aerospace & Defense – $84,184
- Legal – $83,166
- Financial Services – $79,190
- Media & Communication – $96,231
- Construction & Maintenance Services – $85,056
What these figures may be, I do not know. Tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Airbnb employ interior designers to create innovative office environments, and they pay premium salaries to compete for top talent. On the same note, the government agencies, which contract designers to do their own buildings and infrastructural projects, have competitive remuneration that does not fluctuate.
Interior Design Specializations that are well paid
Outside the industry, the compensation depends on your area of interest:
Commercial Interior Design Commercial designers usually make 15-30 percent more than residential designers. Office, retail, restaurant, and hotel projects have bigger budgets and more complicated requirements.
Average salary range: $65,000-$95,000
Healthcare Interior Design Specialized knowledge of healthcare codes, patient safety, and medical facility requirements commands premium compensation.
Average salary range: $70,000-$100,000
Hospitality Design Designers creating hotels, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues work with substantial budgets and demanding clients.
Average salary range: $68,000-$110,000
Sustainable/Green Design As eco-conscious design grows, specialists with LEED certification or WELL Building certification earn premiums.
Luxury Residential Design High-net-worth clients with multi-million-dollar homes pay top dollar for experienced designers who understand luxury materials and custom work.
Average salary range: $75,000-$150,000+ (often with project-based bonuses)
Set Design for Film/TV Entertainment industry designers work on compressed timelines with creative challenges.
Average salary range: $60,000-$120,000 (plus per-project fees)
Corporate Interior Design Designing office spaces for major corporations, especially in tech and finance, offers strong compensation.
Average salary range: $70,000-$105,000
Freelance and Firm Employment
How you are employed has a drastic effect on income and stability:
Working for a Design Firm:
- Steady salary: $40,000-$95,000 depending on experience
- Perks: Medical insurance, vacation, pension.
- Mentorship and team support
- Less direct client pressure
- Small salary unless you are made a partner.
Freelance/Self-Employed Interior Design:
- Variable income: $30,000-$250,000+ depending on client base
- No intoxication (you ensure yourself)
- Complete creative control
- Direct client relationships: Relatives to clients.
- Potential for extremely high profits with a good reputation.
- Additional business management tasks.
The surveys in the industry indicate that a small number (20-30) of interior designers is self-employed. The successful freelancers usually make as much as their employed colleagues, but they too experience an unstable income, particularly at the beginning.
Factors That Impact Your Interior Design Income.
Your wage is not arbitrary. It is influenced by certain factors that can be regulated. These will guide you in planning your career.
Education and Credentials
Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design: A majority of employers require a minimum of a degree. Graduates from CIDA-accredited programs (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) typically start $3,000-$8,000 higher than those without accredited degrees.
NCIDQ Certification: The National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam is considered the gold standard professional credential. NCIDQ-certified designers earn approximately 10-20% more than non-certified designers at similar experience levels.
The certification requires:
- Education from a CIDA-accredited program (or equivalent)
- Work experience (2-3 years off, as a rule)
- Three exam parts in aspects of design fundamentals, building systems and professional practice.
State Licensure: There are states that license interior designers to work on commercial projects. Regulated states that have licensed designers usually have higher salaries, as they have less competition and are legally sanctioned.
Specialized Certifications:
- LEED Accreditation (sustainable design): Adds $5,000-$15,000 to average salary
- WELL Building Standard: Growing importance, salary premium of $3,000-$10,000
- Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD): For kitchen/bath specialists
- Universal Design Certification: For accessibility-oriented designers.
Technical capabilities and Software expertise
The interior designers who have acquired the latest tools in technology greatly enhance their worth:
Essential Software Skills:
-
- AutoCAD – Industry standard for technical drawings
- Revit – Building Information Modeling (BIM) software
- SketchUp – 3D modeling and visualization
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
- 3D Rendering Software (V-Ray, Lumion, Enscape)
- Project Management Tools
Designers proficient in advanced rendering and BIM software can earn $8,000-$15,000 more than those relying on basic tools. VR/AR skills are becoming more prized as virtual reality and augmented reality are increasingly used in the context of client presentation.
Personal Brand and Portfolio Quality
The most useful tool for salary negotiation is your portfolio. An impressive portfolio displaying:
- Diverse project types
- High-quality photography
- Well documented design process.
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Unique design perspective
…is allowed to pay a 20-40% premium to a weak portfolio compared to similar experience.
Furthermore, designers who develop good personal brands by:
- Social media (Instagram, Pinterest).
- Publications in the industry, press.
- Speaking engagements
- Awards and recognition Design
- Referrals and reviews of clients.
… usually charge high prices and have more bargaining power as far as salary is concerned.
Commercial Shrewdness and Customer Care
The technical design skills do not maximize income. Designers who understand:
- Project cost estimation and budgeting.
- Contract negotiation
- Customer relationship management.
- Business development and marketing.
- Project coordination and team leadership.
…rise faster and earn more. Most companies encourage designers who have good business acumen into better paying executive positions, despite them not being the most creative designers in the organization.
Interior Design Career Trends and Job Outlook for 2025-2026
The interior design business is changing at a fast rate. The awareness of these trends can help you place yourself in the best earning potential in the next years.
Job Growth Projections
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for interior designers is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, which is about average compared to all occupations. This translates to an average of 7,800 job vacancies annually over the ten years.
Although it may be a small growth of 3 percent, this is a good indication of consistent demand. Most of the vacancies are a result of:
- Recruiting successors to retiring or exiting designers.
- New construction projects
- Renovations and remodeling
- Growing business design requirements.
The Future of Trends in the Interior design salary.
- Sustainable and Green Design Environmental consciousness isn’t optional anymore—it’s expected. Designers well-versed in:
- Green building materials and supplies.
- Energy-efficient systems
- LEED and WELL certification processes
- The principles of the circular economy.
- Biophilic design
… will receive higher salaries along with the increase in the focus of clients on environmentally friendly rooms.
- Virtual Design and E-Design Services The pandemic triggered the implementation of virtual interior design services. Designers who provide online consultation, 3D representations, and remote project management can:
- Sell customers across the country (or even to the rest of the world).
- Reduce overhead costs
- Accept as many projects as possible at a time.
- Virtual services charge -50-150 an hour.
This model enables the skilled designers in the low-cost regions to receive an equivalent salary to the costly coastal cities.
- Technology Integration The use of smart home technology, IoT devices, and building systems of automation is becoming a norm in residential and commercial design. Interior designers who understand modern home upgrades and decorative technology, from automated lighting and climate control to integrated entertainment systems, are increasingly sought after. Clients want the designers to create beautiful spaces and also to provide smart home solutions, which can improve everyday living. This technical expertise would contribute an additional 10,000-20,000 to your annual salary income as the design-technology nexus grows increasingly imperative.
Knowledgeable interior designers who comprehend:
- Home automation systems
- Combined technology planning.
- AV system design
- Information technology infrastructure.
…add value and are able to make high prices.
- Wellness-Centered Design Post-pandemic, the awareness of the impact of the interior environment on health and well-being has increased. Designers specializing in:
- Air quality optimization
- Natural light maximization
- Ergonomic workspace design
- Acoustic control
- Non-toxic off-gassing materials.
…are in high demand, particularly in company offices and hospitals.
- Aging-in-Place and Universal Design As Boomers grow older, they are seeking houses with beautiful designs that can help them overcome mobility challenges and aging concerns. This specialized knowledge commands premium fees, especially in retirement-heavy states like Florida and Arizona.
- Multifamily and Co-Living Spaces Urban densification and evolving attitudes toward housing are generating demand for those designers who exhibit ability in:
- Compact space optimization
- Shared amenity spaces
- Modular and flexible design
- Community-focused layouts
- Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Firms that have embraced VR/AR to make presentations to their clients are getting more projects. Designers who can create immersive walkthroughs and AR visualizations differentiate themselves and often earn $10,000-$20,000 more than peers who rely on static renderings.
Skills That Will Drive Higher Salaries in 2025-2026
According to the interviews with industry experts and the analysis of trends, the following skills will be even more desirable:
Technical Proficiencies:
- High-quality 3D modeling and photorealism.
- VR/AR content creation
- Building Information Modeling (BIM/Revit)
- Evidence-based design (applying analytics to make choices)
- Sustainable design software and calculators
Soft Skills:
- International project design awareness (cross-cultural)
- Remote team collaboration
- Online communication with clients.
- Emotional intelligence and the psychology of the client.
- Quick adjustment to the changes in the industry.
Business Skills:
- Online marketing and social media.
- Web-based portfolio and brand building.
- Remote project management
- Contract and pricing strategy.
- Design business financial planning.
How to Increase Your Interior Design Salary: Proven Strategies
Would you like to make more money as an interior designer? The following are steps that can be applied and are working:
1. Attain Professional Certification.
Getting your NCIDQ certification is one of the highest-ROI career moves you can make. Yes, it requires:
- Satisfying education needs.
- Recording work experience.
- Passing three professional exams.
- Continued professional learning.
But it typically adds $5,000-$15,000 to your annual salary and opens doors to leadership positions and commercial projects in regulated states.
2. Develop a Specialty or Niche
The generalist designers would be competing based on price. Experts are competing on expertise. Things to consider gaining an in depth understanding of:
- Medical architecture (hospitals, clinics, aged housing)
- Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, resorts)
- Luxury residential (up-market homes).
- Sustainable design (green building, LEED projects)
- Corporate design (office environments, tech campuses)
- store design (stores, showrooms, pop-ups)
The rate of specialists would normally be higher by 20 to 40 percent than that of generalists.
3. Master High-Value Software
Take time to study new sophisticated tools:
- Revit for BIM projects
- Enscape or Lumion smart real-time.
- Unity or Unreal Engine for VR experiences.
- Bluebeam as a construction documentation.
Companies are actively pursuing designers who possess these skills and hefty fees are paid to them.
4. Develop a Powerful Internet Presence
In 2024-2025, your Instagram portfolio might be more important than your formal portfolio book. Develop:
- Best work showcased on professional websites.
- An active Instagram account, good photos of the projects.
- Pinterest boards that evidence design thinking.
- Client reviews on Houzz profile.
- Presence on LinkedIn is a professional networking tool.
Designers who possess high online brands will be able to charge 25-50% premiums as compared to those who are invisible online.
5. Take into consideration Geographic Relocation
If you’re earning $48,000 in Mississippi, the same work might pay $72,000 in Seattle or $80,000 in Washington, DC. Although these cities are more expensive to live in than others, the amount of salary may surpass the expenses, particularly at the beginning of your career.
6. Movement to Commercial or Specialised Sectors
When you are in residential work, getting underpaid, make a pivot to:
- Corporate office design
- Healthcare facilities
- Hospitality projects
- Senior living facilities
- Government contracts
These industries generally provide higher compensation of 20-50% than a general residential design.
7. Negotiate Effectively
Most interior designers, and particularly women, are not negotiable, and that is why they leave money on the table. In case of employment search or salary increase:
- Find market rates for your location and experience.
- Record your accomplishments and additions.
- Rehearse your negotiation conversation.
- Demand 10-25 percent more than the original offer.
- Enterprise into negotiations in case of fixed salary (greater PTO, conference budgets, work flexibility)
Studies show that people who negotiate their first job offer earn approximately $500,000 more over their careers than those who accept the initial offer.
8. Build Business Skills
There is a limit to technical design skills. Business skills don’t. Learn to:
- Control the cost of projects and schedule.
- Bring the leader presentations and negotiations.
- Sell yourself and create leads.
- Mentor and train junior designers.
- Know construction prices and acquisitions.
Designers capable of self-managing projects with the ability to attract new business are promoted quickly and receive higher pay.
9. Network Strategically
Membership in professional organizations:
- ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)
- IIDA (International Interior Design Association)
- NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)
Participate in industry events, trade shows, and conferences. Numerous well-paying jobs are gained either by referral or by professional networks and not by advertisement.
10. Think about establishing your own Company
Employed designers typically cap out around $90,000-$120,000 unless they become principals. Self-employed designers with strong client bases regularly earn $150,000-$300,000+. The trade-off is:
- Increased risk and variability of income.
- Accountability for all business activities.
- Have to keep advertising all the time and get customers.
- None of the benefits is provided by the employer.
Self-employment can be a windfall to your earnings, especially when you are entrepreneurial and already have a network of clients.
Interior Design Compensation Beyond Salary
Shrewd interior designers believe in more than just base salary. Total compensation consists of:
Bonuses and Profit Sharing
Many design firms offer:
- Based on firm and individual performance, annual bonuses (5-20 percent of salary).
- Bringing jobs on time and under budget, Project completion bonuses.
- Bonuses for landing new clients as a new business.
- Profit sharing (particularly at smaller companies or partnerships)
These can add $5,000-$30,000+ annually to your total compensation.
Benefits Packages
The standard benefits in middle-size and large companies usually comprise:
- Health insurance (with 70-90 percent coverage of premiums)
- Dental and vision insurance
- Retirement plans 401(k) (usually 3-6% employer match)
- Vacation (2-4 weeks), holidays, sick leaves (paid time off).
- Budgets for professional development.
- Budgets of software and technology.
A total benefits package can cost as much as 20-30 per cent of your base salary.
Benefits and Career Growth
Other remunerations may involve:
- Attendance at conferences and trade shows.
- Professional organization memberships (ASID, IIDA, etc.)
- The courses on continuing education.
- Software training and certifications.
- Reimbursement of company vehicle or mileage.
- Budgets for client entertainment.
- Remote working and flexible working arrangements.
Freelance Earnings Opportunities
Designers who are employed also make an addition to their earnings with:
- Weekend freelance projects
- E-design consultations
- Conducting workshops or online classes.
- Sale of furniture/decor affiliate income.
- Design deals or product design.
- Photoshoot interior styling.
These side hustles can add $5,000-$40,000+ annually, though check your employment contract for any restrictions on outside work.
Comparing Interior Design Salaries to Related Careers
Where does interior design rank among other creative careers?
Related Design Careers:
- Architects: Median 82840 (much higher)
- Landscape Architects: Median $70,000 (slightly higher)
- Graphic Designers: Median $57,990 (a little less)
- Fashion Designers: Median 76700 (somewhat higher)
- Industrial Designers: median 75910 (a little more)
- Set and Exhibit Designers: Median 62440 (similar)
The interior design is in the midpoint of the design profession spectrum. It does not go up to the heights of architecture or even some branches of engineering, but it is a good middle-class income with a lot more in senior grades or self-employment.
Resources and Tools for Maximizing Your Interior Design Career
Salary Research Tools
Unit: Before you negotiate or even seek employment, find out current rates:
- PayScale.com – Self-reported salary data with filters for experience, location, skills
- Glassdoor.com – Company-specific salary information
- Indeed.com – Job posting-based salary insights
- Salary.com – Comprehensive compensation data
- BLS.gov – Official government statistics (most conservative but reliable)
Good Professional Organizations to join
These memberships cover themselves in terms of networking and job boards and professional development:
ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)
- Cost: ~$360/year for professionals
- Advantages: Job board, continuing education, industry resources, credibility.
IIDA (International Interior Design Association)
- Cost: ~$385/year
- Advantages: High commitment to commercial designing, international network, thought leadership.
NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)
- Cost: ~$295/year for designers
- Advantages: Specialization in kitchen/bath, certification schools, and supplier relations.
Technology and Tools: Worth Investing in Interior Design
Essential Design Software:
- AutoCAD – ~$220/month (industry standard)
- SketchUp Pro – $299/year (3D modeling)
- Adobe Creative Cloud – 54.99/month (Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator)
- Revit – ~$290/month (BIM software)
- Enscape – Starting at 59/month/user (real-time rendering)
Project Management Tools:
- Ivy – Project management within the interior design.
- Studio Designer – designer, accounting, and project management.
- Design Manager – Business management in its entirety.
- Mydoma Studio – Customer relationship and work tracking.
Inspiration and Trend Resources:
- Pinterest- Free trend boards and inspiration boards.
- Houzz – Home decorating resource and client acquisition.
- Architonic – Product research and specification.
- Materials Monthly – Materials libraries and trend reports.
Complete Interior Design Salary Charts and Comparisons
To allow you to see precisely where you are and what to anticipate, here are detailed salary charts that are going to encompass all the angles of interior design pay.
Chart 1: Interior Design Salary by Years of Experience (Complete Career Trajectory)
| Years Experience | Entry Salary | Average Salary | High End Salary | Typical Job Title |
| 0-1 years | $38,000 | $46,600 | $55,000 | Junior Designer, Design Assistant |
| 1-2 years | $42,000 | $50,000 | $60,000 | Interior Designer I |
| 3-4 years | $48,000 | $55,429 | $65,000 | Interior Designer II |
| 5-6 years | $52,000 | $62,000 | $72,000 | Interior Designer III, Project Designer |
| 7-9 years | $58,000 | $68,000 | $80,000 | Senior Interior Designer |
| 10-15 years | $65,000 | $75,000 | $95,000 | Senior Designer, Design Manager |
| 16-20 years | $70,000 | $85,000 | $110,000 | Principal Designer, Design Director |
| 20+ years | $75,000 | $95,000 | $150,000+ | Principal, Firm Owner, Creative Director |
Key Insight: The biggest salary jump occurs between years 0-5 (average increase of 33%). After year 10, salary growth slows unless you move into leadership or start your own firm.
Chart 2: Interior Design Salary by Education Level
| Education Level | Average Starting Salary | Mid-Career Average | Career Peak Average |
| No Degree | $35,000 | $48,000 | $65,000 |
| Associate’s Degree | $38,000 | $52,000 | $70,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree (Non-CIDA) | $42,000 | $58,000 | $78,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree (CIDA-Accredited) | $46,000 | $63,000 | $85,000 |
| Bachelor’s + NCIDQ | $50,000 | $70,000 | $95,000 |
| Master’s Degree | $48,000 | $68,000 | $92,000 |
| Master’s + NCIDQ + Specialization | $55,000 | $78,000 | $110,000+ |
Key Insight: NCIDQ certification has more salary impact than a master’s degree. The sweet spot for ROI is a Bachelor’s from the CIDA program + NCIDQ + specialization.
Chart 3: Interior Design Salary by Company Size
| Company Size | Entry-Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level | Benefits Rating |
| Solo Practice | $30,000-$45,000 | $60,000-$90,000 | $80,000-$200,000+ | Self-funded |
| 2-5 Employees | $38,000-$48,000 | $52,000-$68,000 | $70,000-$95,000 | Limited |
| 6-20 Employees | $42,000-$52,000 | $58,000-$75,000 | $80,000-$105,000 | Good |
| 21-50 Employees | $45,000-$55,000 | $62,000-$80,000 | $85,000-$115,000 | Excellent |
| 51-200 Employees | $48,000-$58,000 | $65,000-$85,000 | $90,000-$125,000 | Excellent |
| 200+ Employees (National Firms) | $50,000-$62,000 | $70,000-$95,000 | $100,000-$150,000 | Excellent |
Key Insight: Larger firms typically pay 15-25% more and offer substantially better benefits, but smaller firms often provide faster advancement opportunities.
Chart 4: Monthly and Hourly Interior Design Salary Breakdown
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross | Bi-Weekly Gross | Hourly Rate | After-Tax Monthly* |
| $40,000 | $3,333 | $1,538 | $19.23 | $2,533 |
| $50,000 | $4,167 | $1,923 | $24.04 | $3,117 |
| $60,000 | $5,000 | $2,308 | $28.85 | $3,700 |
| $70,000 | $5,833 | $2,692 | $33.65 | $4,283 |
| $80,000 | $6,667 | $3,077 | $38.46 | $4,867 |
| $90,000 | $7,500 | $3,462 | $43.27 | $5,450 |
| $100,000 | $8,333 | $3,846 | $48.08 | $6,033 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $4,615 | $57.69 | $7,200 |
| $150,000 | $12,500 | $5,769 | $72.12 | $8,917 |
*Approximate after-tax monthly income based on single filer, standard deduction, no state income tax. Actual take-home varies by state and personal situation.
Chart 5: Interior Design Salary vs. Cost of Living in Major Cities
| City | Average Designer Salary | Median Rent (1BR) | Cost of Living Index | Effective Purchasing Power* |
| New York City | $110,000 | $3,800 | 187 | $58,824 |
| San Francisco | $85,000 | $3,200 | 198 | $42,929 |
| Los Angeles | $85,000 | $2,800 | 173 | $49,133 |
| Seattle | $70,842 | $2,200 | 172 | $41,188 |
| Boston | $72,000 | $2,600 | 162 | $44,444 |
| Washington DC | $78,000 | $2,400 | 152 | $51,316 |
| Chicago | $65,000 | $1,800 | 120 | $54,167 |
| Denver | $67,000 | $1,900 | 129 | $51,938 |
| Austin | $63,000 | $1,700 | 119 | $52,941 |
| Atlanta | $60,000 | $1,500 | 105 | $57,143 |
| Phoenix | $58,000 | $1,400 | 108 | $53,704 |
| Dallas | $62,000 | $1,500 | 102 | $60,784 |
*Effective Purchasing Power = (Salary / Cost of Living Index) × 100. Higher number = more buying power.
Key Insight: Dallas and Atlanta offer the best combination of decent salary and lower cost of living. San Francisco and NYC pay the most but have the lowest purchasing power.
Chart 6: Interior Design Specialization Salary Comparison
| Specialization | Entry-Level | Mid-Career | Senior/Expert | Job Satisfaction** |
| Residential – General | $40,000 | $58,000 | $75,000 | 7.5/10 |
| Residential – Luxury | $45,000 | $70,000 | $120,000 | 8.2/10 |
| Commercial Office | $48,000 | $68,000 | $95,000 | 7.0/10 |
| Healthcare/Medical | $52,000 | $75,000 | $105,000 | 7.8/10 |
| Hospitality | $46,000 | $72,000 | $110,000 | 8.0/10 |
| Retail Design | $44,000 | $65,000 | $88,000 | 6.8/10 |
| Corporate/Tech | $55,000 | $80,000 | $115,000 | 7.5/10 |
| Sustainable/Green Design | $48,000 | $70,000 | $95,000 | 8.5/10 |
| Kitchen & Bath | $42,000 | $62,000 | $85,000 | 7.2/10 |
| Set/Exhibition Design | $40,000 | $68,000 | $100,000 | 8.3/10 |
**Job satisfaction based on industry surveys and Glassdoor ratings.
Chart 7: Freelance vs. Employed Interior Designer Income Comparison
| Career Year | Employed Salary | Benefits Value | Total Comp | Freelance Revenue | Business Expenses | Net Income | Freelance Advantage |
| Year 1 | $42,000 | $10,000 | $52,000 | $35,000 | $12,000 | $23,000 | -$29,000 |
| Year 3 | $52,000 | $12,000 | $64,000 | $75,000 | $22,000 | $53,000 | -$11,000 |
| Year 5 | $62,000 | $14,000 | $76,000 | $110,000 | $30,000 | $80,000 | +$4,000 |
| Year 7 | $70,000 | $15,000 | $85,000 | $145,000 | $35,000 | $110,000 | +$25,000 |
| Year 10 | $80,000 | $17,000 | $97,000 | $190,000 | $45,000 | $145,000 | +$48,000 |
| Year 15 | $90,000 | $20,000 | $110,000 | $260,000 | $55,000 | $205,000 | +$95,000 |
Key Insight: Employed designers have the advantage in early years (stability + benefits). Freelancers break even around year 5-6 and pull significantly ahead after year 7 if they build successful practices.
Chart 8: Interior Design Salary by Region (All 50 States + DC)
West Coast:
| State | Average Salary | Entry-Level | Senior Level |
| California | $66,091 | $50,000 | $95,000 |
| Washington | $82,509 | $60,000 | $110,000 |
| Oregon | $62,000 | $48,000 | $85,000 |
| Nevada | $58,500 | $45,000 | $80,000 |
| Alaska | $64,863 | $50,000 | $90,000 |
| Hawaii | $62,628 | $48,000 | $88,000 |
Northeast:
| State | Average Salary | Entry-Level | Senior Level |
| Massachusetts | $65,211 | $52,000 | $92,000 |
| New York | $64,000 | $52,000 | $95,000 |
| Connecticut | $64,036 | $50,000 | $90,000 |
| New Jersey | $64,947 | $51,000 | $92,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,500 | $46,000 | $82,000 |
| Rhode Island | $66,000 | $51,000 | $90,000 |
| New Hampshire | $60,575 | $47,000 | $85,000 |
| Vermont | $57,000 | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Maine | $58,422 | $45,000 | $80,000 |
Midwest:
| State | Average Salary | Entry-Level | Senior Level |
| Illinois | $61,076 | $48,000 | $86,000 |
| Minnesota | $61,316 | $48,000 | $87,000 |
| Michigan | $59,009 | $46,000 | $83,000 |
| Ohio | $56,500 | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Wisconsin | $58,000 | $45,000 | $80,000 |
| Indiana | $57,517 | $45,000 | $79,000 |
| Iowa | $57,343 | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Missouri | $56,930 | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Kansas | $57,055 | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Nebraska | $56,450 | $44,000 | $77,000 |
| North Dakota | $59,189 | $46,000 | $82,000 |
| South Dakota | $54,000 | $42,000 | $74,000 |
South:
| State | Average Salary | Entry-Level | Senior Level |
| Florida | $56,696 | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Texas | $59,000 | $46,000 | $82,000 |
| Georgia | $57,792 | $45,000 | $80,000 |
| North Carolina | $56,942 | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Virginia | $58,500 | $45,000 | $81,000 |
| Maryland | $61,783 | $48,000 | $86,000 |
| District of Columbia | $66,343 | $52,000 | $95,000 |
| Tennessee | $55,500 | $43,000 | $76,000 |
| Louisiana | $56,972 | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Alabama | $55,048 | $43,000 | $75,000 |
| Mississippi | $53,436 | $41,000 | $72,000 |
| Arkansas | $54,131 | $42,000 | $74,000 |
| Kentucky | $56,384 | $44,000 | $77,000 |
| South Carolina | $54,000 | $42,000 | $74,000 |
| West Virginia | $54,500 | $42,000 | $75,000 |
| Delaware | $60,681 | $47,000 | $84,000 |
Mountain & Plains:
| State | Average Salary | Entry-Level | Senior Level |
| Colorado | $61,136 | $48,000 | $86,000 |
| Utah | $60,000 | $47,000 | $83,000 |
| Idaho | $55,935 | $43,000 | $76,000 |
| Montana | $56,570 | $44,000 | $77,000 |
| Wyoming | $58,000 | $45,000 | $80,000 |
| Arizona | $58,386 | $45,000 | $81,000 |
| New Mexico | $59,500 | $46,000 | $82,000 |
Chart 9: Top Interior Design Employers and Their Average Salaries
| Company | Average Salary | Industry | Employee Benefits Rating | Career Growth |
| $103,000+ | Tech/Corporate | 5/5 | Excellent | |
| Gensler | $75,000-$95,000 | Architecture/Design | 4/5 | Excellent |
| Amazon | $95,000-$110,000 | Tech/Corporate | 4.5/5 | Very Good |
| Perkins and Will | $70,000-$90,000 | Architecture/Design | 4/5 | Excellent |
| HOK | $72,000-$92,000 | Architecture/Design | 4/5 | Very Good |
| IA Interior Architects | $68,000-$88,000 | Commercial Design | 3.5/5 | Good |
| CallisonRTKL | $70,000-$90,000 | Architecture/Design | 4/5 | Very Good |
| Restoration Hardware | $55,000-$75,000 | Retail/Residential | 3/5 | Moderate |
| Stantec | $65,000-$85,000 | Architecture/Engineering | 4/5 | Very Good |
| Goldman Sachs | $90,000-$115,000 | Financial/Corporate | 4.5/5 | Good |
| Airbnb | $98,000-$120,000 | Tech/Hospitality | 4.5/5 | Good |
| NELSON Worldwide | $68,000-$86,000 | Commercial Design | 3.5/5 | Good |
| DLR Group | $70,000-$88,000 | Architecture/Design | 4/5 | Very Good |
| HKS | $72,000-$90,000 | Architecture/Design | 4/5 | Very Good |
Chart 10: Interior Design Salary Growth Over Decade (2015-2025)
| Year | Median Salary | Inflation-Adjusted 2025$ | Real Salary Growth |
| 2015 | $48,400 | $60,650 | Baseline |
| 2016 | $49,810 | $61,800 | +1.9% |
| 2017 | $51,500 | $62,920 | +1.8% |
| 2018 | $53,370 | $63,850 | +1.5% |
| 2019 | $56,040 | $65,520 | +2.6% |
| 2020 | $57,060 | $65,100 | -0.6% (pandemic) |
| 2021 | $58,770 | $63,970 | -1.7% (inflation) |
| 2022 | $60,340 | $62,100 | -2.9% (inflation) |
| 2023 | $62,235 | $62,880 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $63,490 | $63,490 | Baseline |
| 2025 | $64,500* | $64,500 | +1.6%* |
*Projected based on current trends
Key Insight: Interior design salaries have grown nominally, but real (inflation-adjusted) growth has been modest. The field has roughly kept pace with inflation but hasn’t seen explosive growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Design Salaries
What is the extent of earnings that interior designers receive?
The median annual salary for interior designers in the United States is $63,490 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data). But real income is differentiated extensively with regard to experience, place of residence, area of expertise, and the nature of employment. Entry-level designers typically start around $40,000-$55,000, while experienced designers at top firms or running successful businesses can earn $100,000-$250,000+.
How much does an interior designer earn as a fresh college graduate?
Entry-level interior designers with less than one year of experience typically earn between $40,000-$55,000 annually. PayScale reports an average of $46,600 for entry-level designers, while other sources show a range from $43,882 to $54,395. Your starting salary depends heavily on your location, the type of firm you join, whether you have internship experience, and whether you graduated from a CIDA-accredited program.
Are interior designers well-compensated?
The interior design provides a strong middle to high earning capacity. The median salary of $63,490 is above the national median for all occupations ($49,500). Senior designers having expertise, qualifications, or their own successful companies can earn salaries of six figures easily. Nevertheless, the years at the entry level are very tough economically and the profession demands that you be patient until you gain some experience and reputation. Interior design is less well paid on average than architecture or software engineering, but has excellent income potential for those who plan their careers strategically.
What are the highest paying states for interior designers?
The highest-paying states for interior designers are the District of Columbia ($80,460), Washington state ($82,509), Massachusetts ($76,350), California ($66,091), and Alaska ($69,500). New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island also offer above-average compensation. Such states are characterized by both high costs of living and good design markets, an affluent clientele, as well as active construction sectors. The lowest-paying states include Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Alabama, where average salaries fall between $45,000-$55,000.
How much do freelance interior designers earn compared to employed designers?
Freelance interior designer income varies dramatically based on client base, specialization, and business acumen. Some freelancers struggle to earn $30,000-$40,000 in their early years, while established independent designers with strong reputations regularly earn $100,000-$250,000+ annually. The only distinction is stability. Hired designers can count on steady paychecks and benefits, whereas freelancers can expect unstable income but higher income limits. Approximately 20-30 percent of interior designers work as freelancers, and the successful freelancers usually make 30-100 percent more than they would earn in a company, yet all costs and risks of the business are their responsibility.
Does getting NCIDQ certification increase your salary?
Yes, NCIDQ certification typically increases earning potential by 10-20% compared to non-certified designers at similar experience levels. The certification indicates professional competence and is necessary for some forms of commercial work in the regulated states. Beyond the salary bump, NCIDQ opens doors to leadership positions, allows you to practice in regulated jurisdictions, increases client confidence, and is often required for senior positions at prestigious firms. The time spent and money spent in studying and exam fees of a total amount of 1,295 are usually compensated in the first year of certification.
What is the salary of top interior designers?
Senior interior designers with 10-20 years of experience typically earn between $70,000-$95,000 working for firms, according to various salary sources. However, senior designers at prestigious firms, design directors, and principals can earn $100,000-$150,000+. Jobted reports that designers with 20+ years of experience earn around $90,000 on average, while the top 10% of all interior designers earn more than $106,090 annually. Payments at this level are usually in the form of bonuses, profit sharing, and even equity interests in the company.
Is interior design a secure field of work that has good employment opportunities?
The interior design provides average employment security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% employment growth from 2024-2034, which is about average for all occupations. This will mean about 7,800 vacancies every year, primarily due to a turnover requirement since designers retire. The industry is to some extent cyclical, being dependent on the construction and property markets, which means that the opportunities may decrease during economic downturns. However, renovation and remodeling work provides steadier demand than new construction, and emerging areas like sustainable design, wellness-focused environments, and aging-in-place solutions are creating new opportunities. On the whole, it is quite stable among the designers who can respond to trends and develop a variety of skills.
Which interior design major does best in compensation?
The highest-paying interior design specializations include healthcare design ($70,000-$100,000), hospitality design ($68,000-$110,000), corporate/commercial office design ($70,000-$105,000), and luxury residential design ($75,000-$150,000+). Designers working in technology companies earn particularly well, with Glassdoor reporting a median total pay of $103,293 for designers in the Information Technology sector. There is also good compensation of $90,931 median in government and public administration projects. Sustainable design specialists with LEED or WELL certification command premium fees as eco-conscious design becomes standard rather than optional.
Is having a degree necessary to be an interior designer, and does it have any impact on salary?
Although not legally mandated in some states and by some employers, the overwhelming majority of professional interior design jobs will demand at least a Bachelor of Interior Design degree or an interior design-related degree. Graduates from CIDA-accredited programs typically start $3,000-$8,000 higher than those without accredited degrees. Education affects salary throughout your career—it’s typically required for NCIDQ certification, which further increases earning potential. Other avenues to becoming a designer (architecture backgrounds, self-educated, with great portfolios), though formal training is becoming the norm and is likely to result in greater lifetime income.
How does an interior design salary compare to an architecture salary?
Architects are given much higher salaries on average than interior designers. The median salary for architects is $82,840, compared to $63,490 for interior designers about 30% higher. This is a gap due to the other education requirements (usually a master’s degree and a long internship) of architecture, license requirements to work in any state, legal liability, and the general widening of the scope of work. The two disciplines are, however, comparable in range of salaries at the lower level of the field, and best paid interior designers in successful companies can earn as much as or more than typical architects. Other interior designers also move into architecture or do jobs that are a mix of the two.
Is it possible to earn interior designers six figures?
Yes, but it typically requires one or more of these factors: (1) 10+ years of experience, (2) working in high-paying markets like NYC, SF, DC, or Seattle, (3) specializing in commercial, healthcare, hospitality, or luxury residential design, (4) running a successful design firm with multiple clients, (5) achieving recognition through awards, publications, or celebrity clients, or (6) developing additional income streams like product lines, teaching, or consulting. The top 10% of interior designers earn more than $106,090 annually, and successful firm owners can earn $150,000-$300,000+. Nevertheless, interior designers earn six figures only in the case of around 10 -15% of the interior designers, typically at advanced stages of their careers.
How does experience affect interior design salary growth?
The practice has a dramatic influence on the pay of interior designers. Entry-level designers (0-1 years) average $40,000-$55,000. Early career (1-4 years) jumps to $50,000-$65,000. Mid-career (5-9 years) reaches $60,000-$75,000. Senior designers (10-20 years) earn $70,000-$95,000. Master designers (20+ years) average $90,000+ with potential for much more. This will be a more than doubling of salary between entry and senior position. The largest increases are made in the first 5 years when you transition between assistant and being an independent designer, and in the next 10 years when you can come to be in leadership positions or even have your own practice.
What are the other benefits usually enjoyed by interior designers other than salary?
Executives. This is a standard benefits package that interior designers in large companies usually enjoy, consisting of health insurance (employers will pay 70-90 percent of the premiums), dental and vision insurance, 401(k)s with employer matching 3-6 percent, and 2-4 weeks vacation time and holidays. Additional common benefits include professional development budgets for conferences and continuing education, software/technology allowances, professional organization memberships (ASID, IIDA), flexible work arrangements, and occasionally profit sharing or bonuses. Benefits have a value of usually 20-30 percent of the base salary. All the benefits are to be paid by the freelancers, which has a great influence on the effective take-home pay.
Is a master’s degree in interior design worth having?
A master’s degree in interior design provides marginal salary benefits compared to a bachelor’s degree, typically adding $3,000-$8,000 to annual compensation. Master’s degree ROI is not so good in terms of cost and time spent unless you have your eyes on academic jobs (you need a master’s or terminal degree to work in a firm) or managerial positions in a large company. Most successful interior designers have bachelor’s degrees plus NCIDQ certification rather than master’s degrees. The exception is when you are changing your field of study – accelerated master’s programs are sometimes effective points of entry. Focus your investment on NCIDQ certification and specialized professional certifications (LEED, WELL, CKD) rather than additional academic degrees.
How much do kitchen and bath designers earn?
Kitchen and bath designers typically earn slightly less than general interior designers on average, with median salaries around $55,000-$65,000. However, certified kitchen designers (CKD) and certified bath designers (CBD) with the National Kitchen & Bath Association earn above-average compensation, often $65,000-$85,000. These experts are employed by the cabinetry firms, showrooms, retailers of home improvement or as independent workers. The industry has more predictable demand compared to the general interior design because kitchen and bath remodelling occurs even in slow economic periods. Combining kitchen/bath know-how with more general interior design services, designers are able to utilize this knowledge to charge higher prices to whole-home clients.
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Interior Design Salary Potential
The interior design salary landscape offers wide variation based on choices you make about location, specialization, credentials, and career path. While the median of $63,490 provides a solid middle-class income, strategic career decisions can dramatically increase your earning potential.
This is what spins the needle in interior designer pay:
Short-term Impact (1-2 years):
- Negotiating employment opportunities as opposed to first offers.
- Moving to geographic markets that are more highly paid.
- Coming up with competence in software that is in demand.
- Creating a strong online portfolio and brand.
Medium-term Impact (3-5 years):
- Obtaining NCIDQ certification
- Creating a specialty or niche in design.
- Change of residential to commercial work.
- Developing a good professional network.
Long-term Impact (5-10+ years):
- Gaining business and leadership competencies.
- Development of new sources of revenue.
- Development of reputation by use of awards and recognition.
- Probably owning your own design company.
The interior design business is changing towards a focus on sustainability, technology integration, healthier environments, and remote design solutions. Designers who position themselves at the intersection of these trends will command premium compensation in 2025 and beyond.
It is important to keep in mind that wage is a single aspect of a good career. The interior design provides creative gratification, one is able to enhance the living conditions of people on a daily basis, work diversification, and a number of career avenues that other careers hardly rival. The monetary benefits increase greatly when one integrates design creativity with business acumen, strategic focus, a nd professional growth.
You may be new to studying interior design, or early in your career, or seeking to switch to more remunerative areas of specialization. Being knowledgeable of the compensation marketplace will enable you to make informed choices to match your passion with a sustainable rate of compensation.
It requires designers with flair, capable of operating in the environment of growing complexity of building codes, ecological demands, integration of technologies, and the expectations of clients. Provided that you are not reluctant to invest in credentials, constantly upgrade your skills, and place yourself strategically within the market, interior design is a career with earnings that are rewarding and increase with time in your career life.