Do you have a passion for interior design? Are you curious about how much interior designers make? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, we will discuss the interior designer salary, tasks, career path and total compensation.
The Average and Median Interior Designer Salary – Fresh Data
According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean interior designer salary is $62,570 per year. This works out to be $30 hourly, and it’s the average across all interior designers in the United States, counting all experience levels and locations.
The median salary for interior designers is slightly lower at $60,340 per year ($29 per hour). It’s not a huge difference, but it’s worth noting. The median means that half of all interior designers make more than this amount while half make less.
What about the percentiles? The lowest-paid 10% of interior designers earn no more than $30,930 per year, which is less than the average salary for all workers in the United States. The top earners, on the other hand, make $99,070 or more.
What Factors Influence the Earnings of an Interior Designer?
The above numbers aren’t enough to understand what interior designers actually earn. To get a better idea, we need to consider the factors that can affect an interior designer’s salary.
- Location: Interior designers in New York, for example, tend to earn more than those in smaller towns.
- Experience: As with most professions, interior designers who have been working for longer tend to make more money than those who are just starting out.
- Type of employer: Interior designers who work for architectural firms tend to earn more than those who work for furniture stores.
- Education: Interior designers with a bachelor’s degree tend to earn more than those who have only completed an associate’s program.
While you have full control over some of these factors, others are out of your hands. The good news is that interior designers in all categories tend to earn more than the average worker in the United States.
Interior Designer Salaries over the Years
The interior designer salary has been increasing steadily over the past few years. In fact, it has grown by more than 20% since 2010. This is good news for those considering a career in interior design. Here are a couple of figures to compare:
- 2010 – $52,100;
- 2012 – $52,970;
- 2014 – $54,850;
- 2016 – $56,220;
- 2018 – $59,120;
- 2020 – $61,400.
The salaries have mostly kept up with inflation. This is good news for interior designers and is likely to continue. However, there isn’t much potential for growth. The BLS projects that employment isn’t going to change between 2020 and 2030. Every year, 7,800 jobs are going to open as current workers retire.
States with the Highest Interior Designer Salaries
The average interior designer salary varies from state to state. Here are the five states where interior designers earned the most in 2021, as reported by the BLS:
- District of Columbia – $79,420;
- Rhode Island – $77,250;
- Massachusetts – $73,140;
- New York – $72,220;
- California – $70,290.
As you can see, these are states where the cost of living is higher than average. This is to be expected, as interior designers in these states need to charge more to make a living. Overall, no matter where you work, you can expect to earn a comfortable salary.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
An interior designer’s job is to create functional, safe and beautiful spaces, such as living rooms and kitchens. They work with clients to determine their needs, and then they create a plan to achieve those needs. They need to have a strong understanding of construction, engineering and aesthetics.
Interior designers often work with architects and contractors to ensure that their designs are carried out correctly. They also need to be able to work within the budget that their clients have set.
In some cases, interior designers may be responsible for the construction of the space they are designing. This includes supervising workers, ordering materials and making sure that the project stays on schedule.
What Are the Working Conditions for an Interior Designer?
Interior designers typically work in offices, but they may also travel to meet with clients or to oversee construction projects. Some interior designers also work from home.
Interior designers typically work full time, but they may also work part-time or overtime to meet deadlines. They may need to work evenings or weekends to accommodate their clients’ schedules.
What Are the Education Requirements for an Interior Designer?
Most interior designers have at least a bachelor’s degree in interior design. Some interior designers also have a master’s degree.
Interior designers typically complete an internship before they start working. Internships provide interior designers with the opportunity to gain experience and to learn from experienced professionals.
Interior designers are not required to be certified, but many choose to get a certificate. Certification can show that an interior designer has the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job. It can also make you more attractive to potential employers.
Interior Designer Salaries Aren’t Growing Much, But They’re Decent
Overall, interior designer salaries are decent. They have kept up with inflation, but they haven’t increased much. There is some potential for growth, but it is limited. Even then, interior designers can expect to earn a comfortable salary, no matter where they work.
