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Ever wondered what an interior designer actually makes in the U.S.? It’s not just about picking pillows and paint colors. Behind every stylish living room or sleek kitchen is a professional managing budgets, timelines, permits, and clients - and their pay reflects that. The truth? Interior designers in the U.S. earn anywhere from $40,000 to over $120,000 a year, depending on experience, location, and the type of work they do.
What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do?
Many people think interior design is all about aesthetics. But real interior designers handle far more. They read blueprints, coordinate with contractors, source materials, manage lighting and electrical plans, and ensure everything meets building codes. Some specialize in residential spaces - homes, apartments, condos. Others work on commercial projects like hotels, offices, or retail stores.
Residential designers often start with a client’s vision, then translate it into functional layouts. They pick flooring that lasts, choose fixtures that fit the budget, and balance style with practicality. Commercial designers focus on traffic flow, safety regulations, and brand identity. A hotel designer might spend weeks selecting fabrics that resist stains and wear, while a restaurant designer plans seating that maximizes turnover.
This isn’t a job you can learn from a YouTube tutorial. Most professionals hold a degree in interior design or a related field. Many also become licensed - especially in states like Florida, Nevada, and California, where you need to pass the NCIDQ exam to call yourself a professional.
How Much Do Interior Designers Make in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2025 data, the median annual wage for interior designers in the U.S. is $61,500. That means half earn more, half earn less. But median doesn’t tell the full story.
Entry-level designers with less than two years of experience typically make between $40,000 and $50,000. That’s often in smaller firms or as assistants to senior designers. At this stage, you’re likely doing research, preparing material boards, and managing samples - not leading projects.
Mid-level designers with 3-7 years of experience earn between $55,000 and $80,000. These are the people running their own client accounts, managing budgets up to $100,000, and coordinating multiple trades on-site. They might work for a design studio or be freelancers with a steady pipeline.
Senior designers or those running their own firms can make $85,000 to $120,000 or more. Top earners in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco often charge $150-$300 per hour or take a percentage of project costs. A $500,000 home renovation project could net a designer $75,000 in fees alone.
Location Matters - Big Time
Where you work has a huge impact on your paycheck. Interior design salaries vary wildly across states and cities.
In New York City, the average salary is $78,000. In Los Angeles, it’s $72,000. San Francisco? Around $81,000. These cities have high-end clients, luxury developments, and a constant demand for design talent - but also higher living costs.
In contrast, designers in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, or Phoenix make closer to $55,000-$65,000. That’s still solid, especially if rent or mortgage is lower. In smaller towns or rural areas, you might earn $45,000-$55,000 - but you’ll likely need to take on more projects to stay busy.
Some designers move to high-paying markets for a few years to build their portfolio and client list, then relocate to a lower-cost area to enjoy higher take-home pay. It’s a common strategy.
Freelance vs. Firm Work - Which Pays More?
Working for a design firm gives you steady pay, benefits like health insurance, and access to established clients. But you’re often capped in earnings. A firm designer might make $70,000 a year, but they don’t keep the full fee - the company takes 30-50%.
Freelancers have more control. They set their own rates, choose their clients, and keep 100% of their fees. But they also handle marketing, invoicing, taxes, and client acquisition. A freelance designer charging $120/hour might work 20 hours a week on projects, earning $124,800 a year - but only if they have consistent work.
Most successful freelancers don’t just charge hourly. They use project-based pricing. A full home redesign might cost $25,000-$75,000. That’s one project, paid in installments. The risk? You might have slow months. The reward? No cap on what you can earn.
Specialization Boosts Earnings
Not all interior designers are paid the same. Specializing can double or triple your income.
Designers who focus on high-end luxury homes, historic restorations, or hospitality projects (hotels, spas, restaurants) earn significantly more. The same goes for those who work with sustainable materials, smart home tech, or accessibility design - areas that are growing fast.
One designer in Chicago who specializes in aging-in-place renovations (making homes safe for seniors) charges $180/hour. Her clients pay for her expertise in grab bars, non-slip flooring, and wheelchair-accessible kitchens. She doesn’t compete with designers who just pick curtains - she solves real problems.
Another example: designers who work with architects on custom new builds often earn 20-30% more than those who only do renovations. They’re involved from day one, influencing layout, materials, and systems - not just decorating after the fact.
How to Increase Your Pay as an Interior Designer
If you’re making less than you think you’re worth, here’s how to change that:
- Get certified. NCIDQ certification isn’t required everywhere, but it’s a signal of professionalism. Clients trust certified designers more - and pay more.
- Build a portfolio. Don’t just show pretty pictures. Show before-and-after layouts, client testimonials, and budgets you managed. Prove you deliver results.
- Niche down. Don’t be the designer who does “everything.” Be the designer who does luxury kitchens for empty-nesters. Or the one who designs small-space apartments for millennials.
- Charge what you’re worth. Many designers undercharge because they’re afraid of losing clients. But clients who value design don’t haggle over $500. They want expertise.
- Use contracts. Always have a written agreement that outlines scope, payment schedule, and change orders. No exceptions.
What’s the Future of Interior Design Pay?
Looking ahead to 2026, demand for skilled interior designers is rising. More people are working from home and want spaces that support productivity and well-being. The housing market is shifting toward renovations over new builds - meaning more work for designers who can transform existing spaces.
Technology is also changing the game. Designers who use 3D modeling tools like SketchUp or AutoCAD, or who integrate smart home systems, are in higher demand. Clients now expect digital walkthroughs and real-time material selections.
Green design is no longer a niche. Energy-efficient lighting, low-VOC paints, and reclaimed materials are standard expectations. Designers who understand sustainability certifications like LEED or WELL are commanding premium rates.
Bottom line: The best-paid interior designers aren’t the ones with the prettiest Instagram feeds. They’re the ones who solve problems, manage complexity, and deliver value that goes beyond aesthetics.
Do interior designers make good money?
Yes, many do - especially those with experience, specialization, or their own business. Entry-level designers earn around $40,000-$50,000, while top professionals in major cities can make over $100,000. Freelancers who charge project fees often earn more than salaried designers, but they also manage their own business costs.
Is interior design a good career in 2026?
It’s a strong career if you’re willing to learn, specialize, and treat it like a business. Demand is growing for designers who understand technology, sustainability, and aging-in-place needs. The field isn’t booming like tech, but it’s steady and evolving. People will always need help turning houses into homes.
How long does it take to become a paid interior designer?
Most people get hired after completing a 2- to 4-year degree and gaining 1-2 years of experience. Some start as assistants right after school. Licensing (like NCIDQ) takes additional time - you need 2 years of experience before you can sit for the exam. You can start earning money as a junior designer within 1-2 years, but reaching top pay levels usually takes 5-8 years.
Can you be an interior designer without a degree?
Yes, you can work as a designer without a degree - many do. But you’ll face limits. Some states require licensing for commercial work. Clients often prefer certified designers. Without formal training, you might struggle to get contracts with architects or contractors. A degree gives you credibility, technical skills, and access to internships that jumpstart your career.
Do interior designers get paid hourly or by project?
Both. Entry-level designers and those working in firms often get paid hourly or salaried. Freelancers and senior designers usually charge by project or a percentage of the total project cost. Project-based pay is more profitable if you’re efficient. Hourly pay is safer when you’re starting out.
