Interior design jobs encompass a range of roles, from executive positions to junior designers, each with its own set of responsibilities and salary expectations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for interior designers was $63,490 as of May 2024, with a projected 3% employment growth through 2034.
Salaries for interior design jobs can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, and specific job title. For instance, the 2024 ASID Compensation and Benefits Report places the median salary for interior designers at $75,000, while ZipRecruiter reports that the highest-paying interior design jobs can reach up to $133,500 per year.
Executive positions in interior design, such as CEOs, founders, and owners, can earn significantly higher salaries, with averages ranging from $112,687 to $226,000 according to ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor. These leadership roles require at least a bachelor’s degree and often an advanced degree, with salaries influenced by factors such as bonuses, profit sharing, and ownership distribution.
Karen Singh, Career Services and Internship Coordinator at the New York School of Interior Design, notes that students who complete the school’s MFA program tend to land jobs with higher salaries, often in the mid-$60,000 range. The ASID report estimates the median annual salary range for full-time interior design employees to be between $75,000 and $99,999 a year.
Interior design directors are responsible for directing design duties, managing design staff, and making critical decisions regarding projects. Their salaries can range from $56,500 to $168,500, according to ZipRecruiter.
Tamir Shuster, a partner at Precise, a financial management firm specializing in creative industries, emphasizes that years of experience, merit, and the types of projects worked on are better yardsticks for determining salary ranges than job titles alone. This approach helps to provide a more accurate representation of the salary structure in the interior design industry, which is influenced by various factors.
Senior-level designers and architects are responsible for all project deliverables, maintaining the project schedule, and meeting intended design goals. Their salaries can range from $72,500 to $123,000 annually, according to ZipRecruiter.
Project managers in interior design are responsible for planning, budgeting, and executing projects. Their salaries can range from $69,500 to $118,000, according to ZipRecruiter.
The salary for a project manager position is influenced by factors such as education, experience, and location. A bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field is typically required, along with at least five years of experience. Proficiency in software for design and project planning is also expected.
Architects and designers work on a project from start to finish, monitoring progress, collaborating with a team, consulting with clients, and meeting project deadlines on schedule and within budget. The salary for an architect/interior designer depends on training, location, and title, with licensure being a clear divider. Salaries for architects and interior architects are above those for interior designers and project designers.
According to Indeed, the average salary for architects in 2026 was above six figures. ZipRecruiter found that Interior Architects earned a median salary of $128,756. The ASID reports the range to be between $50,000 and $80,000 for interior designers, while Indeed found the average interior designer salary in 2024 was $70,357.
Junior interior designers or architects collaborate with senior design team members on project goals, assisting with design concepts and interacting with clients. The salary for a junior interior designer position is firmly in the $50,000 range, with the bulk of jobs being in the low-to-mid-$50,000 range. The ASID report estimates this range to be $45,000 to $55,000, with assistants starting at $40,000 and entry-level employees and interns starting at $30,000.
A bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field is typically required for a junior designer position, along with proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD. Depending on the size of the firm, previous experience may be preferred, or this may be an entry-level position at certain firms, where they can learn to organize their work effectively.
For individuals entering the field of interior design, it’s essential to consider the various roles and their corresponding salaries. By understanding the factors that influence salary ranges, such as education, experience, and location, individuals can make informed decisions about their career paths and potential earning potential, ultimately leading to a more successful and fulfilling career.
Salaries for interior design jobs are not fixed and can vary based on several factors. However, with the right education, experience, and skills, individuals in the field can earn competitive salaries and enjoy a rewarding career, where they can apply their knowledge to create storage solutions and other design elements.