Interior Designer Salary Guide
Interior designers plan and create functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing interior environments for residential, commercial, and institutional clients. They develop concepts, prepare drawings and specifications, select materials and furnishings, coordinate with architects and contractors, and manage project budgets and timelines.
What is the average Interior Designer salary?
Entry Level
$45,000 - $60,000
Mid Level
$60,000 - $85,000
Senior Level
$85,000 - $130,000+
How does Interior Designer salary grow with experience?
Interior Designer salary by location
What factors affect a Interior Designer's salary?
- Location and local market demand
- Specialization and portfolio strength (residential, commercial, hospitality, sustainable design)
- Education, certifications and technical skills (NCIDQ, REVIT, BIM, CAD)
- Employer type and project scale (boutique firm vs. large firm, high-end vs. standard budgets)
- Client base and business development ability (freelance rates vs. salaried positions)
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Designer Salaries
What is the average salary for an interior designer in the United States?
The average U.S. interior designer earns between $60,000 and $85,000 annually; entry-level roles commonly start around $45K–$60K while senior designers often make $85K–$130K or more.
How does location affect interior designer pay?
Location can shift pay by 20%–50%: large metro areas with high cost of living (NYC, SF, LA) typically pay significantly more than smaller markets due to demand and project budgets.
What experience level yields the biggest salary jump for interior designers?
The largest jump usually occurs between junior (0–2 years) and mid-level (3–5 years), when designers move from support roles to project leadership and client-facing responsibilities.
Do certifications or specialized skills increase interior designer salaries?
Yes. Certifications (e.g., NCIDQ), specialized skills (sustainable design, high-end residential, BIM/Revit), and a strong portfolio can raise compensation substantially.
Earn what you're worth as a Interior Designer
A strong resume gets you to the negotiation table. Build one tailored to your role and level.
Build Your Resume NowExplore Related Salary Guides
See how salaries compare across similar roles in the same field.