Introduction
Interior design is a profession that combines creativity, technical knowledge, and business acumen to enhance the aesthetic, functional, and safety of interior spaces. But how much do interior designers make? This article provides an overview of the earning potential of professional interior designers. We’ll discuss salary ranges across the country, analyze salaries by industry, and compare interior designer salaries to other design professionals.
Interview with a Professional Interior Designer on Salary Earnings
To gain a more personal perspective on the topic, we interviewed a professional interior designer with 15 years of experience. In order to protect her privacy, we will refer to her as “Nicole.”
Nicole has worked in a variety of industries throughout her career, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and corporate design. She currently works as an independent contractor and specializes in custom furniture design.
We asked Nicole a series of questions about her experience and earnings within the industry:
- Q: How would you describe your typical salary range?
- Q: How have your earnings changed over time?
- Q: What factors have impacted your earning potential?
Nicole replied that she typically earns between $45,000 and $85,000 per year. Over the past 15 years, she has seen her earnings increase as she has gained experience and built her portfolio. She attributes her higher earning potential to her cost of living, level of education, location, and years of experience.
Overview of Interior Design Salaries Across the Country
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median pay for interior designers in 2020 was $58,370 per year. According to the BLS, the average salary for interior designers ranges from $34,700 in the lowest 10th percentile to $91,190 in the highest 90th percentile.
When broken down by region, the average salary for interior designers varies widely. The BLS reports the following annual salary ranges by region:
- Northeast – $44,740 – $97,650
- Midwest – $38,340 – $78,010
- South – $36,230 – $80,690
- West – $39,830 – $88,240
These salary ranges also vary based on experience and expertise. For example, experienced interior designers may earn significantly more than entry-level designers.
Analysis of Average Interior Designer Salaries by Industry
Interior designer salaries can also vary depending on the industry. Generally, interior designers who work in residential design tend to earn slightly less than those who work in commercial, hospitality, and corporate settings.
According to PayScale, the average salary for residential interior designers is $51,912. The average salary for commercial interior designers is $55,929, while the average salary for hospitality and corporate interior designers is $57,365.
Overview of Factors that Impact Interior Designer Salaries
In addition to industry, there are a number of other factors that can influence interior designer salaries. These include the cost of living, level of education, location, and years of experience.
Cost of living is one of the most significant factors impacting interior designer salaries. For example, interior designers in New York City typically earn significantly more than those in smaller cities due to the higher cost of living.
Level of education is another factor that can affect interior designer salaries. While many interior designers enter the field without a degree, those who possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design often earn more than their peers.
Location is also an important factor in determining salary. Interior designers who are located in major metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those who are located in smaller cities or rural areas.
Finally, years of experience can have a significant impact on interior designer salaries. Generally, interior designers who have been working in the field for 10 or more years tend to earn more than those who are just starting out.
Comparison of Interior Designer Salaries to Other Design Professionals
It’s also useful to compare interior designer salaries to those of other design professions. According to PayScale, the average salary for architects is $68,717, while the average salary for graphic designers is $46,819. Meanwhile, the average salary for fashion designers is $66,492.
Conclusion
This article has provided an overview of the earning potential of professional interior designers. We discussed salary ranges by region and industry, as well as factors that impact overall earnings. We also compared interior designer salaries to other design professions.
Overall, it’s clear that interior designers can enjoy a lucrative career if they have the right combination of experience, expertise, and location. With the right approach, interior designers can earn competitive salaries and enjoy job satisfaction in a creative field.
For further research, we recommend exploring the different types of interior design jobs available, as well as the specific skills and qualifications necessary to succeed in the field.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)