Interior Designer Salary in 2025: $67,190 Median, Career Path & Job Growth
The median annual wage for interior designers in the United States is $67,190, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest data. The mean hourly wage works out to about $32.00 an hour, and the typical range runs from $41,420 at the 10th percentile to $114,140 at the 90th. That means half of all interior designers earn between roughly $41,000 and $114,000. The BLS counted 71,500 interior designers employed nationally as of May 2023.
How much Interior Designers earn
The median – the midpoint where half earn more, half less – is $67,190. Average pay (mean) is higher at $74,540 because top earners pull the number up. The bottom 10% make $41,420 or less; the top 10% take home $114,140 or more. Most interior designers earn salaries clustered in the middle, but specialization and location can swing that significantly.
Pay varies by industry. Designers working for architectural and engineering firms tend to earn above the median, while those in furniture stores or specializing in residential design often earn less. Experience matters: early-career designers often start near the 10th percentile, while seasoned professionals – especially those with a portfolio of high-end commercial projects – can top $100,000.
Pay by state
Where you practice interior design dramatically affects your earnings. The highest-paying state is the District of Columbia, where the average interior designer makes $98,450. Wyoming follows closely at $96,100 – a high figure driven by demand in the energy sector and luxury resort work. California ($80,230), Massachusetts ($80,110), and Colorado ($78,390) round out the top five. In these states, a designer earning the median could make over $10,000 more than the national average.
At the lower end, Mississippi pays an average of $43,740, West Virginia $49,800, and Iowa $58,040. Even so, cost-of-living differences narrow the gap somewhat: a designer in Iowa earning $58,040 may have comparable purchasing power to one in California making $80,000, depending on housing costs. Still, the top- and bottom-tier states represent a nearly 125% pay difference.
How to become an Interior Designer
Most interior designers hold at least a bachelor's degree in interior design, interior architecture, or a related field. About 40 states require interior designers to be licensed, certified, or registered – usually by passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. Work experience is part of that process: you typically need two to six years of supervised work under a licensed designer before you can take the exam.
A typical path: earn a four-year degree from an accredited program (the Council for Interior Design Accreditation lists qualifying schools), then complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship or internship, and finally pass the NCIDQ. Some states also require continuing education. For residential-only work, licensing may be less strict, but commercial and public-sector projects almost always require it.
Strong portfolios matter more than grades. Internships during school build practical skills in space planning, building codes, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Many designers start as assistants or junior designers and move up after building a track record of completed projects.
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited interior design program.
- Complete a supervised internship (2-6 years depending on state).
- Pass the NCIDQ exam to get licensed in states that require it.
- Build a portfolio; consider specializing in residential, commercial, or healthcare design.
- Stay current – some states mandate continuing education units.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of interior designers will grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 7,800 job openings each year over the decade. Most openings come from the need to replace designers who retire or leave the field.
Growth will be driven by demand in large-scale commercial and institutional projects – offices, hospitals, hotels – where design affects productivity and wellbeing. Residential design is more sensitive to the housing market and tends to fluctuate. Designers who are proficient in sustainable design, space optimization, and digital rendering tools will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
Do interior designers earn a good salary?
The median interior designer salary of $67,190 is above the national median for all occupations ($48,060). It's a solid middle-class income, especially in lower-cost states. Top earners – those in the 90th percentile – make over $114,000, comparable to many professions requiring similar education.
What is the highest-paying state for interior designers?
The District of Columbia pays the highest average salary, $98,450 per year, followed by Wyoming ($96,100), California ($80,230), and Massachusetts ($80,110).
How many years does it take to become an interior designer?
Typically 4–6 years: a 4-year bachelor's degree, then 2 years of supervised work experience before you can sit for the NCIDQ exam. Licensing adds a few months. Altogether, expect 5–7 years from starting college to full licensure.
Is interior design growing or declining?
Growing slowly. The BLS projects a 3.2% growth rate from 2024 to 2034, about on par with the average for all occupations. About 7,800 new openings appear each year, mostly from retirements.
Can you become an interior designer without a degree?
Yes, but it's harder. Some states allow alternative paths – like a combination of work experience and an associate degree – but most licensed designers hold a bachelor's. Without a degree, you may be limited to residential work that doesn't require a license. The NCIDQ exam requires at least a bachelor's unless you have 10+ years of experience.
What do interior designers do daily?
They plan spaces, select color schemes, furniture, and finishes, create drawings and renderings, meet with clients and vendors, manage budgets, and coordinate with contractors and architects. The job blends creativity with technical knowledge of building codes and materials.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Interior Designers data.