How much does a Interior Designer make?
Interior designers create beautiful and functional spaces. Their work can be found in homes, offices, stores, and many other places. The average yearly salary for an interior designer is around $66,443. This means that many designers earn a good living doing what they love.
The pay for interior designers can vary based on experience and location. Those just starting out may earn less, while those with more experience can earn much more. Here are some salary ranges for different experience levels:
- 10% of interior designers earn less than $35,000 a year.
- 25% earn between $35,000 and $44,182 a year.
- 50% earn between $44,182 and $62,545 a year.
- 75% earn between $62,545 and $80,909 a year.
- 90% earn less than $99,273 a year.
With time and experience, many interior designers see their pay go up. This career offers good earning potential for those who are creative and detail-oriented.
What are the highest paying cities for a Interior Designer?

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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $99,158
In Hartford, designers enjoy a blend of urban and residential projects. Companies like CBRE and CBRE Global Workplace Solutions offer diverse opportunities. The city values creativity and innovation.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $94,637
Washington, DC, provides a dynamic environment for designers. With iconic landmarks, federal projects are common. Firms like Gensler and Perkins+Will lead the industry. The city’s rich history adds depth to design projects.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $90,430
Los Angeles offers a vibrant scene for creative professionals. The entertainment industry presents unique challenges. Companies such as Gensler and IDEO offer exciting work. The city’s diverse culture influences design trends.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,206
San Francisco’s tech-driven market demands innovative design solutions. Tech giants like Google and Apple present diverse projects. The city values sustainability and modern aesthetics. Designers enjoy a dynamic work environment.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $86,983
Salt Lake City offers a mix of residential and commercial design opportunities. Companies such as Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) Architects provide diverse projects. The city’s natural beauty influences design trends. Designers appreciate the balance between work and nature.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $84,127
Kansas City presents a mix of urban and suburban design projects. Companies like 3D/International and HNTB Corporation offer solid opportunities. The city’s friendly environment makes it a great place for professionals. The blend of tradition and innovation is notable.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $82,410
Rochester offers a mix of historical and modern design challenges. Companies such as Perkins Eastman and WXYZ Architects provide diverse projects. The city’s cultural richness adds depth to design work. Designers benefit from a supportive community.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $82,062
Albany provides a blend of government and private sector design opportunities. Firms like Perkins Eastman and HNTB Corporation offer solid projects. The city’s historic charm influences design aesthetics. Designers appreciate the balance between tradition and innovation.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $82,028
Seattle’s tech and maritime industries present unique design challenges. Companies like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and ZGF Architects offer diverse projects. The city’s innovative spirit drives design trends. Designers enjoy a dynamic work environment.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $81,998
Philadelphia offers a mix of historic and modern design opportunities. Firms like Gensler and Perkins Eastman provide diverse projects. The city’s rich history adds depth to design work. Designers appreciate the vibrant urban environment.
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What are the best companies a Interior Designer can work for?

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Closet Factory
Average Salary: $147,692
Closet Factory offers Interior Designer jobs with a focus on high-quality custom closets and storage solutions. They operate across the United States, providing unique opportunities for designers to bring their creative vision to life.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $128,476
AECOM provides diverse opportunities for Interior Designers. They work on various projects, including commercial and residential spaces. AECOM operates globally, giving designers the chance to work on international projects.
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Renuity
Average Salary: $107,500
Renuity offers Interior Designer positions with a focus on sustainable design practices. They are based in the United States and provide opportunities for designers to work on eco-friendly projects that make a positive impact.
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Populous
Average Salary: $106,676
Populous specializes in large-scale architectural projects, including stadiums and arenas. Interior Designers at Populous can expect to work on exciting, high-profile projects. The company operates worldwide, offering diverse experiences.
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Aire Serv
Average Salary: $103,515
Aire Serv focuses on providing design, engineering, and construction services. Interior Designers at Aire Serv work on a variety of commercial and residential projects. They are based in the United States.
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Arcadis
Average Salary: $102,273
Arcadis offers Interior Designer jobs with a strong emphasis on consulting and engineering. They work on projects that require a blend of design and technical expertise. Arcadis operates globally, providing international opportunities.
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HOK
Average Salary: $100,346
HOK provides Interior Designer positions with a focus on innovative design solutions. They work on a range of projects, from commercial spaces to educational facilities. HOK operates internationally, offering diverse experiences.
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Ethan Allen
Average Salary: $88,907
Ethan Allen offers Interior Designer jobs with a focus on home furnishings. They provide opportunities for designers to create stylish and functional living spaces. Ethan Allen operates in the United States and internationally.
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Corgan
Average Salary: $84,353
Corgan provides Interior Designer positions with a focus on architectural and interior design services. They work on a variety of projects, including healthcare and educational facilities. Corgan operates in the United States.
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HDR
Average Salary: $83,102
HDR offers Interior Designer jobs with a focus on sustainable design and planning. They provide opportunities for designers to work on diverse projects, from commercial to residential. HDR operates globally, offering international experiences.
How to earn more as a Interior Designer?
Interior design is a creative field with opportunities to earn more. Expanding one's skill set and leveraging strategic career moves can lead to higher earnings. Consider these key factors to boost your income as an interior designer.
First, gaining specialized skills can significantly increase earning potential. Expertise in areas such as sustainable design, commercial projects, or residential renovations can set designers apart. Continuing education and certifications in these niches can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Networking with industry professionals and staying updated on trends also enhances marketability.
- Specialized Skills: Develop expertise in areas like sustainable design, commercial projects, or residential renovations.
- Continuing Education: Pursue certifications and courses to enhance marketability and skills.
- Networking: Connect with industry professionals to discover new opportunities and insights.
- Portfolio Development: Create a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of projects to attract more clients.
- Business Acumen: Learn to manage contracts, pricing, and marketing to run a successful design business.



