How much does an Interior Designer make?

The average salary for an Interior Designer is $68,225 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 8716 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Interior Designer employees in United States.

The highest salary for an Interior Designer in United States is $85,370 per year.

The lowest salary for an Interior Designer in United States is $54,710 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Interior Designer or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Interior Designer.

Interior designers earn salaries similar to the salaries of graphic designers, fashion designers, and landscape architects. They are paid slightly below architects and industrial designers. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is generally required. Some states require licensure, including the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. Demand for interior designers will remain steady. In states where licensure is optional, passing the exam may still increase opportunities and pay for a prospective interior designer.

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While describing their professional experiences on Glassdoor, 66% of interior designers felt their current salaries were sufficient. A bachelor's degree and experience impact earnings, but interior designers can also earn an additional $4,023.84 annually through bonuses and profit sharing.

Interior designers have the freedom to work with design firms and employers or through their own freelance and contract-based work. Overall, they earn more money as they gain experience, hone their design skills, and seek professional certification as they advance along the interior designer career path. Most professionals earn between $44,861.57 and $104,252.57, and the average interior designer brings home about $68,214.71 every year.

As an interior designer, a quality portfolio could make the difference between scoring a high-paying role and not scoring one at all. This is the premier marketing tool throughout your career, so continuously update and improve it with your best work. Each page should show the highest level of work you're capable of while reflecting your distinct design style, process, and personality. Those with more experience earn higher interior designer salaries, so take on quality projects and continue progressing. Select a niche, such as commercial spaces or home interiors, and work from there. Professional certifications, such as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) credential, also correlate with higher earnings.

Interview questions for interior designer roles include questions such as, "What is your design process?" and "Describe your style." You'll need to describe how you contributed to each project in-depth, and a quality portfolio is a must. Before hitting the negotiating table for a higher salary as an interior designer, develop solid answers to these questions, and do your research to learn what the client or employer is looking for. What sets you apart will score you more money, so you'll need to describe your vision, what brought you there, and how you'll progress through each project. You can request within 25% above the number given.