Interior Design Salary: What You Really Need to Know

Introduction to Interior Design

What is Interior Design?

Interior design is more than just picking out throw pillows or painting walls pretty colors. It’s a blend of creativity, architecture, and psychology that brings spaces to life. Whether it’s a cozy living room, a sleek office, or a buzzing restaurant—interior designers are the minds behind the magic.

Why is Interior Design a Popular Career Choice?

If you love creativity, working with people, and transforming boring spaces into wow-worthy ones, then interior design might be your dream job. Plus, thanks to platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, the industry has exploded in popularity—making it a trending career.

---

Understanding the Interior Design Salary Landscape

What Determines an Interior Design Salary?

Interior design salaries aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors play into how much you’ll earn, including:

Experience Level

Like most careers, the more experience you have, the more money you can make. Entry-level designers usually start with modest pay, but with time, your value—and paycheck—grows.

Location

Your city or state can seriously impact your salary. Designers in New York City or San Francisco earn a lot more than those in smaller towns.

Type of Employer

Working for a boutique firm? A corporate giant? Or maybe yourself? Who you work for (and how you work) matters.

Education & Certifications

A degree in interior design or related fields plus certifications (like NCIDQ) can make your resume—and salary—shine.

Average Salary in the U.S.

On average, Interior Design Salary in the U.S. earn around $60,000 to $70,000 per year. But that number can swing from $40,000 for beginners to over $100,000 for pros with specialized skills or high-profile clients.

---

Salary Based on Experience

Entry-Level Interior Design Salary

Just starting out? Expect around $40,000–$50,000/year. It might not sound like much, but remember—every pro was once a beginner.

Mid-Level Interior Design Salary

With 3–5 years under your belt, salaries jump to $55,000–$75,000/year, especially if you’ve built a solid portfolio.

Senior Interior Design Salary

Senior designers or design leads can earn $80,000–$120,000/year or more, depending on the scale of projects and leadership roles.

---

Salary Differences by Location

Highest Paying States

Some of the top-paying states for interior designers include:

• California
• New York
• Texas
• Illinois
• Massachusetts

Cities That Pay the Most

Want the big bucks? Head to cities like:

• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• New York City
• Seattle
• Chicago

Urban vs. Rural Pay Gap

Designers in major metro areas generally earn more—mainly due to higher living costs and bigger client budgets.

---

Freelance vs. Full-Time Salary

Pros and Cons of Freelancing

Freelancing gives you freedom—choose your clients, set your hours, and even work in your PJs. But the income? It can be unpredictable.

Income Potential for Freelancers

Freelancers can earn anywhere from $30/hour to over $150/hour depending on their skills, reputation, and client base. Project-based earnings can range from $2,000 to $50,000+, especially in luxury or commercial design.

---

Industry-Wise Salary Breakdown

Residential Interior Design

Designing homes? Average pay ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on the size and style of projects.

Commercial Interior Design

Corporate offices, malls, and institutions pay more—expect $60,000 to $100,000+, especially if managing large-scale layouts.

Hospitality and Healthcare Interior Design

Hotels, restaurants, hospitals—these specialized fields can bring in $70,000–$120,000, especially if you’re working on branded chains.

---

Interior Design Salary vs. Other Creative Careers

Graphic Designers

Average salary: $50,000–$60,000. So, interior designers tend to make a bit more, especially with experience.

Architects

Architects can earn $70,000–$110,000, often higher than designers, but they also require more technical schooling and licensing.

Fashion Designers

Salaries vary wildly—$45,000–$100,000+ depending on niche, fame, and location.

---

How to Increase Your Salary as an Interior Designer

Specialize in a Niche

Luxury residential, eco-friendly design, retail spaces—find your niche and dominate it. Niche experts earn more because they’re in demand.

Upskill and Get Certified

Take courses, get licensed, learn new software. Certifications like NCIDQ or LEED can boost your credibility—and paycheck.

Build a Personal Brand or Portfolio

In today’s digital world, your Instagram is your portfolio. Show off your work, share tips, and attract clients who pay well.

Network and Collaborate

Join interior design communities, attend events, and collaborate with architects and contractors. Sometimes, it’s not just what you know—but who you know.

---

Salary Trends and Future Outlook

Will Salaries Rise in the Future?

Yes, especially for designers who adapt to trends like sustainability, smart homes, and 3D visualization. The market is evolving fast.

Impact of AI and Tech on Interior Design Jobs

AI can generate layouts, but it can’t replace human creativity. Designers who embrace tech will stay ahead and earn more.

---

Conclusion

So, is interior design worth it? Absolutely—if you’re creative, passionate, and ready to hustle. While entry-level salaries may seem modest, the potential for growth is massive. With the right skills, location, and mindset, you can turn your design dreams into a thriving (and lucrative) career.

---

FAQs

1. How much can top interior designers earn?

Top designers, especially those with celebrity clients or their own brand, can earn $150,000+ per year—some even millions.

2. Is interior design a high-paying job?

It can be! With experience, specialization, and smart networking, interior design can become a high-income career.

3. Do interior designers get paid hourly or by project?

Both. Some charge hourly (especially freelancers), while others price by project or room. It depends on the client and scope.

4. Can you make six figures in interior design?

Yes, especially if you’re senior-level, working in big cities, or running your own firm. Six figures is very achievable.

5. What country pays interior designers the most?

The U.S., UAE, Switzerland, and Australia are among the top-paying countries for interior designers.