How much does a Interior Designer make?
Interior design is a creative and rewarding career. Many people who work in this field find it both challenging and fulfilling. The average yearly salary for an interior designer is $66,957. This means that, on average, someone in this job earns about $5,579 each month. Salary can vary based on several factors, such as experience, location, and the type of work you do.
Let's look at some specific salary numbers. At the lower end, about 10% of interior designers earn less than $35,000 a year. Moving up, around 25% earn between $35,000 and $44,545. Most designers fall in the middle range, earning between $54,091 and $73,182. Experienced designers or those working in major cities can earn more, with some making up to $140,000 a year. These numbers show that there is potential for growth in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Interior Designer?

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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $94,609
In Washington, DC, professionals create spaces that reflect the city's rich history and political influence. Working with firms like SmithGroup or Clark Nexsen, designers often collaborate with government agencies and non-profits. The work involves blending classic styles with modern touches, making each project unique.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,537
San Francisco offers a vibrant scene for design careers. Designers here focus on sustainability and innovation. Companies like Gensler and HOK provide opportunities to work on high-profile projects. The city's diverse culture and progressive outlook inspire creative solutions in interior design.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $88,419
Los Angeles is a hotspot for bold and creative designs. Designers in LA often work with entertainment companies, creating lavish interiors for movie sets and studios. Firms like IIDA and Gensler offer exciting projects that merge glamour with functionality.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $87,042
Salt Lake City presents a unique blend of modern and traditional design. Designers here have the chance to work on both residential and commercial projects. Companies like Interior Architects and AXIS Design Group offer opportunities to create spaces that reflect the city's natural beauty and community spirit.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $83,420
Kansas City offers a mix of urban and suburban projects for designers. The city's growing tech scene opens doors for innovative office designs. Companies like The Design Collaborative and PBK Architects provide a platform to create inviting and functional interiors.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $82,713
Rochester provides a mix of residential and commercial design opportunities. The city's educational institutions create a steady flow of projects. Working with firms like Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, designers can focus on projects that emphasize comfort and practicality.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $82,644
Boston’s rich history influences its design projects. Designers here often work on historic renovations and modern commercial spaces. Companies like Perkins+Will and Kallmann McKinnell & Wood offer diverse projects that blend old and new.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $81,890
Sacramento offers a variety of projects from government buildings to residential homes. The city's growth provides many opportunities for designers. Firms like HGA and Clark Nexsen focus on creating functional and aesthetic interiors that serve the community well.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $81,829
Seattle’s tech-driven economy fuels demand for modern office designs. Designers here often work with tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Firms such as LMN Architects and Mithun provide innovative projects that combine technology with design.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $81,647
Albany offers a mix of government and residential design projects. The city’s historic charm influences many design choices. Designers work with firms like Gensler and Ayers Saint Gross, focusing on creating spaces that honor the city's past while looking to the future.
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What are the best companies a Interior Designer can work for?

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Closet Factory
Average Salary: $157,727
Closet Factory offers Interior Designer jobs with a focus on custom storage solutions. They have locations across the United States, including California, Texas, and Florida.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $125,818
AECOM provides opportunities for Interior Designers to work on large projects. They have offices in many cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
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Renuity
Average Salary: $107,500
Renuity hires Interior Designers for projects in hospitality and commercial spaces. They operate nationwide, with major offices in Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle.
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Populous
Average Salary: $106,478
Populous offers Interior Designer roles focusing on sports and entertainment venues. They have offices in Denver, New York, and Sydney.
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Aire Serv
Average Salary: $105,207
Aire Serv provides jobs for Interior Designers working on projects for the hospitality industry. They have locations in Atlanta, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
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Ethan Allen
Average Salary: $91,837
Ethan Allen hires Interior Designers for residential and commercial projects. They operate in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
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Harley Ellis Devereaux
Average Salary: $88,250
Harley Ellis Devereaux offers Interior Designer positions for retail and hospitality projects. They have offices in Philadelphia, Boston, and Miami.
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Corgan
Average Salary: $85,703
Corgan provides opportunities for Interior Designers to work on healthcare and commercial projects. They have offices in Phoenix, Seattle, and Denver.
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HDR
Average Salary: $84,801
HDR hires Interior Designers for projects in various sectors, including education and healthcare. They have locations in San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Atlanta.
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Bray and Scarff
Average Salary: $82,706
Bray and Scarff offers Interior Designer jobs for healthcare and commercial projects. They have offices in Seattle, Austin, and Portland.
How to earn more as a Interior Designer?
Becoming an Interior Designer offers a rewarding career, but earning a higher salary requires strategic efforts. Aspiring designers can boost their earnings by focusing on certain key areas. Prioritizing these factors can lead to significant financial benefits over time.
First, gaining specialized certifications can enhance a designer's credentials. Certifications from recognized bodies such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) can set a designer apart. These credentials demonstrate a higher level of expertise, making the designer more valuable to potential employers. Second, developing a strong portfolio that showcases unique and diverse projects can attract high-profile clients. A well-curated portfolio acts as a visual resume that highlights skills and creativity. Third, building a network within the industry can lead to more job opportunities. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can open doors to lucrative projects. Fourth, offering additional services such as space planning, project management, and virtual design consultations can increase income. These value-added services cater to clients' broader needs and command higher fees. Lastly, continuously updating skills through workshops and courses ensures a designer remains competitive and innovative. Staying current with the latest design trends and technologies can attract more clients willing to pay a premium for modern, cutting-edge work.
By focusing on these factors, Interior Designers can position themselves for higher earnings and career growth. Investing in certifications, a standout portfolio, a strong network, additional services, and ongoing education can lead to substantial financial rewards. These efforts not only increase income but also enhance job satisfaction and professional recognition.
- Specialized Certifications
- Unique Portfolio
- Industry Networking
- Additional Services
- Continuous Learning



