Interior Design Salary in 2025: How Much Do Interior Designers Really Make?

Interior design is everywhere. It shapes the look and feel of the spaces we use every day; homes, offices, shops, and hotels. But how well does this creative job pay? In 2025, the numbers show a clearer picture of what interior designers really earn.

Many people ask, “What is the interior design salary like today?” or “Is this a job that pays well?” This post gives real answers. We cover the average interior designer salary, the hourly interior design pay rate, and how earnings change with skill, location, and type of work.

We also explain the basics, like the true interior design meaning and the full interior design definition. This helps you understand what interior designers actually do.

Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of hiring one, knowing what interior designers do and how interior designers make money can help you make smart choices.

Let’s dive into the numbers and facts behind interior design pay in 2025.

What Interior Designers Do

Interior designers don’t just make spaces look pretty. They plan, design, and manage how spaces feel and function. Their work blends art and science.

The job starts with listening. Designers talk to clients to learn what they need; more space, better flow, less clutter, or a new style. Then they turn those needs into real design plans.

They choose layouts, color schemes, lighting, textures, and furniture. They also plan storage, traffic flow, and room use. Every choice must work well and look good.

Interior designers also work with builders, plumbers, and electricians. They make sure everything fits the plan and meets safety rules. Good design isn’t just about looks. It’s about function, comfort, and safety too.

To go deeper, let’s look at the interior design definition. It’s the art and skill of shaping spaces to meet human needs. The interior design meaning includes layout, color, sound, light, and mood. It covers everything from walls to windows, from flooring to furniture.

Some designers focus on homes. Others work in offices, hotels, or hospitals. Each space has its own rules and challenges.

So when people ask, “What do interior designers do?”, the answer is simple: they make spaces work better for people. They bring ideas to life and improve how we live, work, and relax.

Interior Design Salary in 2025

How Interior Designer Salaries Have Changed Over Time

So, how have paychecks shifted for interior designers in recent years? The numbers tell a story of steady progress.

Over the last decade, salary trends for interior designers have mostly moved upward, reflecting both the growing demand for talented professionals and the rising cost of living. Back in 2015, interior designers were generally earning just over $45,000 per year on average. Fast forward to recent years, and things have picked up: average earnings now hover above $60,000 annually for full-time designers.

Each year brought modest bumps, with a few particularly strong leaps, especially in boom years for real estate and renovation projects. The average hourly rate followed suit, moving from about $22 in 2015 up to around $29 an hour today. These gains show that not only are designers valued for their creative skills—they’re also finding more opportunities and better pay as the field grows.

It hasn’t always been a straight line; some years had only small changes, but the overall pattern points upward. If you’re considering a career in interior design, the financial outlook today is more promising than it was just a few years ago.

This steady wage growth tells us one thing clearly: interior designers are increasingly recognized (and rewarded) for the difference they make in how we live and work.

In 2025, interior design salary levels have become more stable and more rewarding, especially for skilled designers. The pay depends on a few key things: experience, location, education, and the type of work.
Let’s start with experience. A beginner with less than two years of work might earn between $40,000 and $55,000 a year. They often start as assistants or junior designers at design firms. These entry roles offer a chance to learn the ropes.

Designers with 3–5 years of experience, called mid-level designers, earn around $60,000 to $75,000 per year. By this time, they handle full projects, manage client meetings, and may lead small teams. Their higher skills lead to better pay.

Top designers; those with over 8 years of experience or their own studio can make $90,000 to $120,000+ yearly. Some even go beyond that if they serve luxury markets, work in big cities, or have a strong personal brand.

To put those numbers in context, the average interior designer salary lands somewhere in the middle. On the lower end of the spectrum, the bottom 10% make roughly $48,500 a year, while the top 10% earn about $103,500 or more. This wide range shows just how much earnings can grow with skill, reputation, and the right opportunities.

Location also changes the numbers. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles offer high pay; often above $85,000. In smaller towns or rural areas, interior design pay may fall closer to $50,000 or less. That said, the cost of living often matches the pay scale.

Highest Paying Cities for Interior Designers

Where you work can make a big difference to your paycheck. For example:

City Avg. Salary Hourly Rate Los Angeles, CA $84,582 $40.66 Portland, OR $78,707 $37.84 New York, NY $75,595 $36.34 Denver, CO $67,551 $32.48 Major metros like Los Angeles and New York consistently offer some of the highest salaries, not just because of demand but also due to a higher cost of living. Meanwhile, cities like Portland and Denver are climbing the ranks, thanks to booming design scenes and a steady influx of new projects.

No matter where you set up shop, location is a key factor in your earning potential—and it pays to know where your skills are worth the most.

Education plays a part, too. A certified or licensed designer can earn more than someone without formal training. Special skills like 3D modeling or green design can also raise pay.

Another factor is the field you choose. Residential design may offer steady work, but commercial or luxury design usually pays more. Designers working on hotels, restaurants, or high-end homes can earn premium rates.

The average interior designer salary across the U.S. in 2025 is about $68,000 per year. But again, your niche, city, and skill level all affect your earnings.

If you’re good at what you do and keep growing, your income will rise over time. And if you go into business for yourself, you can raise your rates and choose your clients.

Average Interior Designer Salaries by City

Salaries for interior designers can shift quite a bit depending on where you work. Big cities often mean bigger paychecks—but also a higher cost of living. Here’s how things stack up in some major U.S. Cities for 2025:

• Los Angeles, CA: Designers here average about $84,500 per year, or roughly $41 an hour. The city’s luxury market and creative scene drive higher rates.
• Portland, OR: With a thriving design culture, average pay sits near $78,700 annually, translating to just under $38 an hour.
• New York, NY: Designers in the Big Apple can expect around $75,600 a year, or $36 an hour. While the competition is tough, the opportunities—and budgets—are bigger.
• Denver, CO: In Denver, pay averages $67,500 per year, or close to $32 an hour. The city’s growing population and renovation boom help keep demand high.

Of course, these are averages—experienced designers and those serving high-end clients can outpace these numbers, while newcomers may start a bit lower. Your city, your skillset, and your network all play a part in where you’ll land on the pay scale.

Interior Designer Average Salary by State

Interior design pay can look very different depending on where you live. Some states pay top dollar, while others offer more modest rates—but the cost of living usually reflects those differences.

If you’re curious about how interior designer salaries stack up across the U.S., here’s a quick look at where the earning potential runs highest. The numbers below show average annual salaries and typical hourly rates for 2025, based on market data and reports from popular job boards like Glassdoor and Indeed.

• Illinois: Interior designers here lead the pack, taking home an average salary of around $85,000 per year ($41 per hour).
• California: Known for style and design innovation, California averages nearly $80,000 annually ($38/hour).
• Virginia: With its mix of historic and new builds, designers see an average of about $79,000 ($38/hour).
• Georgia: Southern charm pays off—with salaries around $76,000 ($37/hour).
• New York: Big city, big budgets—interior designers earn about $76,000 per year, which is roughly $36 per hour.
• Massachusetts & Oregon: Both states pay close to $75,000 ($36/hour).
• Texas: Dallas, Austin, and Houston all help push the average to $72,000 ($35/hour).
• Washington & Colorado: Designers earn between $67,000 and $68,000 ($32/hour).
• Minnesota & Pennsylvania: Rates here fall in the $64,000 to $66,000 range ($31–$31/hour).
• Arizona, New Jersey, Florida: Expect averages from $58,000 to $62,000 per year ($28–$30/hour).
• Connecticut: Slightly lower at about $54,000 ($26/hour).

These averages are useful for benchmarking, but keep in mind that your own pay will depend on your experience, portfolio, specialization, and city—or even neighborhood.

Planning to relocate or wondering where your design skills are most in demand? Consider these state averages as one piece of your bigger career puzzle.

Which States Pay Interior Designers the Most?

Location makes a big difference in your paycheck, especially in interior design. Certain states stand out as the best spots for top salaries in this field.

Here are some states where interior designers see the highest average annual pay:

• Illinois consistently leads the pack, offering salaries close to $85,000 a year for experienced designers.
• California follows closely, where designers can expect to earn around $79,000 per year—think sunny coastlines and high demand for creative talent.
• Virginia and Georgia also offer robust paychecks, both averaging well above $75,000 annually.
• New York, with its endless lofts and brownstones, rounds out the top five, rewarding designers with about $75,000 per year.

These states not only offer higher wages—they also come with dynamic job markets and plenty of opportunities in both residential and commercial spaces. Keep in mind: while high salaries are tempting, the cost of living in major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York can also be steep. Balancing pay with lifestyle remains key for anyone planning to launch or grow their design career in these areas.

How Interior Designer Salaries Stack Up Over Time

It’s natural to wonder how interior design pay compares to national averages and how those numbers shift from year to year. Over the past decade, salaries for interior designers have seen a steady, if sometimes modest, climb.

• Upward Trends: Since 2015, average paychecks in this field have risen almost every year. Early in the period, salary growth was gentle—think of it as a slow paint roller rather than a dramatic brushstroke. But every so often, the numbers jump noticeably, reflecting demand for creative talent.
• Averaging Out: By 2024, the typical interior designer in the U.S. Earned just under $61,000 a year, with an average hourly rate around $29. Back in 2015, those numbers hovered closer to $45,000 per year, or about $22 per hour.
• How It Compares: These earnings tend to land just above the national average salary for all jobs in the U.S., which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, floats near $58,000 in recent years. That means seasoned designers often outpace many other professions—especially once they build up a strong portfolio or client list.

The Takeaway: While salaries can vary with experience, city, or specialty, the overall pay landscape for interior designers has moved upward—in step with inflation, yes, but also in response to growing appreciation for thoughtful, functional spaces. Every year, pursuing a career in design looks a little more rewarding.

Interior Design Pay Rate by the Hour

Not all interior designers work for a salary. Many charge by the hour. This is common for short jobs, quick consultations, or freelance work. Knowing the hourly interior design pay rate helps both clients and designers set clear expectations.

In 2025, hourly rates vary by skill, location, and type of service. Here’s a basic guide:

• New designers: $25 to $40 per hour
  These are beginners or fresh graduates. They may still be building their portfolio and gaining experience. Their rates are lower to attract clients and gain hands-on practice.
• Mid-level designers: $50 to $100 per hour
  These pros have more experience and training. They handle full projects with little help. Their interior design pay reflects the value they bring.
• Senior designers or studio owners: $100 to $200+ per hour
  These are seasoned experts. They lead teams, manage large budgets, and deliver high-end results. They’ve built a name and charge for their time and reputation.
• Luxury or celebrity designers: $250 to $500+ per hour
  At the very top, rates can go sky-high. These designers often work with wealthy clients, custom furniture makers, and big brands. Their design work is unique and in demand.

Hourly rates also shift depending on the service. For example:

• Design-only consults may cost $50–$100 per hour.
• On-site visits or project oversight can go up to $150 or more.
• Virtual design services are often more affordable and start at around $40 per hour.

The interior design pay rate also depends on how the designer charges. Some offer packages, not hourly rates. Others offer free consults but charge for plans, drawings, or follow-ups.

To earn more per hour, designers must show results. Clients pay for smart layouts, clear plans, and a smooth project. Good designers save time and money.

Whether you charge $40 or $400, your pay should match your skills, results, and service quality.

How Interior Designers Make Money

Interior designers don’t earn money in just one way. They have many income streams. This helps them stay flexible, grow their business, and earn more over time.

Here’s a breakdown of how interior designers make money in 2025:

1. Salaried Jobs at Design Firms

Many designers work full-time for design studios, architecture firms, or real estate companies. These roles come with a steady interior design salary, health benefits, and a regular schedule. It’s a common path for new or mid-level designers.

What Benefits Do Salaried Designers Get?

Full-time positions often include a robust set of benefits that go beyond just a paycheck. Some of the most common perks are:

• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health insurance
• 401(k) or other retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Parental leave
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Wellness programs

These benefits add stability and security, making salaried jobs especially attractive for those seeking long-term careers in interior design.

2. Hourly Work or Freelancing

Some designers prefer freelance work. They take on projects and charge by the hour or per task. This model gives them control over their interior design pay rate. The more they work, the more they earn. Skilled freelancers often make more than salaried designers.

3. Flat-Rate Packages

Designers sometimes offer fixed-price packages. These cover things like space planning, color selection, or furniture sourcing. Clients know what they’ll pay upfront, and designers earn a set fee for each service.

4. Commission from Product Sales

Designers may get paid by vendors when clients buy furniture, lighting, or decor through them. This commission model adds to their interior design pay without charging the client more. It’s a win-win for everyone.

5. Design and Build Services

Some interior designers also handle renovation work. They partner with contractors or manage projects themselves. This lets them charge for both design and build services—doubling their income stream.

6. Online Consultations and Virtual Design

In 2025, many designers work online. They offer e-design services, virtual mood boards, and video consults. These digital services cut overhead and help them reach clients across the country. It’s a growing way for interior designers to make money.

7. Selling Templates and Design Plans

Some designers earn by selling ready-made plans or style guides. These can include layout drawings, 3D renders, and decor checklists. It’s passive income—once the plan is made, it can sell over and over again.

8. Teaching and Content Creation

Experienced designers often teach design classes or write blogs, guides, or books. Others create design content on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. With enough followers, they make money from ads, sponsors, or product deals.

Interior designers today don’t rely on just one job or one client. By mixing services, selling products, and building a brand, they raise their interior designer salary and grow their reach.

If you’re starting out, pick one or two of these options. As your skills grow, so will your income.

Interior Design Pay in Different Fields

Not all interior design jobs pay the same. The interior design salary depends heavily on what kind of spaces a designer works on. Some fields pay more because they involve larger projects, tighter deadlines, or luxury materials. Others may offer steady work but with smaller budgets.

Here’s how interior design pay compares across different types of design:

1. Residential Interior Design

This field focuses on homes; new builds, remodels, or single-room makeovers. It’s one of the most common paths.

Average Salary: $55,000 to $65,000 per year

Hourly Rate: $40 to $100 per hour

Pay can grow fast if you build a strong local brand or work with wealthy homeowners. Custom home design or luxury finishes raise your interior design pay rate.

2. Commercial Interior Design

This includes offices, banks, schools, and public buildings. Projects are larger and must meet strict safety codes.

Average Salary: $65,000 to $75,000 per year

Hourly Rate: $60 to $150 per hour

Commercial design pays more due to complexity. Designers must plan layouts, lighting, and traffic flow while keeping things safe and on brand.

3. Hospitality Interior Design

This field covers hotels, resorts, and restaurants. It mixes style, comfort, and brand image.

Average Salary: $70,000 to $85,000 per year

Hourly Rate: $80 to $200+ per hour

These jobs often require fast turnarounds and high-end finishes. Designers with a strong eye for guest experience can earn top interior design pay in this field.

4. Healthcare Interior Design

Designers in this space work on clinics, hospitals, and care homes. Their focus is on safety, cleanliness, and calm.

Average Salary: $68,000 to $78,000 per year

Hourly Rate: $70 to $160 per hour

These projects demand careful planning and often involve working with doctors, engineers, and safety teams.

5. Retail Interior Design

Retail designers help create engaging stores, showrooms, and display areas. Their work drives customer traffic and boosts sales.

Average Salary: $60,000 to $70,000 per year

Hourly Rate: $60 to $120 per hour

Designers in this space need to think about brand identity, product placement, and shopper flow. Strong results lead to repeat business.

6. Luxury or High-End Custom Design

This includes large estates, penthouses, and celebrity homes. Projects are custom from top to bottom.

Average Salary: $90,000 to $150,000+ per year

Hourly Rate: $150 to $500 per hour

The interior designer salary in this field can be very highs. A strong portfolio, top-tier vendors, and flawless detail are key.

Interior Design Career Outlook

The future looks strong for interior designers. As of 2025, the interior design career outlook is growing.

People want better spaces. Homes are getting smarter. Offices are more flexible. Shops and hotels compete for attention. This keeps the demand for good design high.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for interior designers through 2030. Other countries are seeing the same trend. That means more jobs, better pay, and wider opportunities.

What’s driving this growth?

1. Homeowners Want Custom Spaces

Since the pandemic, more people spend time at home. They want spaces that feel good and work well. Interior designers help them do both. This keeps interior design salary rates steady and strong.

2. Businesses Need Better Workspaces

Offices are changing fast. Hybrid work models call for new layouts. Designers create smart, flexible, and attractive spaces. This keeps commercial design in high demand.

3. Hotels, Clinics, and Stores Need Fresh Looks

Retail, healthcare, and hospitality brands are upgrading interiors to improve user experience. Designers who understand these fields can earn higher interior design pay rates.

4. Sustainability is a Game Changer

Green design is big. Clients want energy-saving lighting, eco-friendly furniture, and low-waste plans. Designers who learn these skills can charge more.

5. Technology Expands the Job

Interior designers now use 3D software, virtual walkthroughs, and AI tools. These make design faster and more visual. Tech-savvy designers attract more clients and earn more.

6. Freelance and Remote Work Are Rising

You don’t need to work in a big city anymore. Many designers now offer virtual services from home. This opens doors for designers everywhere.

Final Thoughts: Is Interior Design Worth It?

Yes. Interior design is worth it. In 2025, it’s more than just a creative job. It’s a real career with solid income, flexible work, and long-term growth.

The average interior designer salary continues to rise. Skilled designers earn good money doing what they love. Whether paid hourly or by project, the interior design pay rate can be very competitive.

Designers don’t just decorate. They plan, solve problems, and improve people’s lives. They make spaces work better. That gives the job meaning, not just money.

It’s also a flexible path. Designers can work full-time, part-time, in-office, or remote. Some start their own businesses. Others team up with architects or developers. There are many ways to grow.

The key is to stay sharp. Know the latest styles, tools, and codes. Keep learning. Build your name. The better your skills, the higher your interior design pay will go.

So, is it worth it? If you love solving space problems, enjoy color and layout, and care about how people live, then yes. Interior design is more than a job. It’s a career that pays off.

Conclusion

Interior design is more than picking colors and arranging furniture. It’s a real career with real rewards. In 2025, the interior design salary reflects the value designers bring to homes, offices, shops, and public spaces.

Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, the field offers clear ways to grow. You can work full-time, freelance, or even run your own studio. You can charge by the hour, by the project, or sell design packages. That’s how interior designers make money; by offering services that solve problems and improve lives.

Your interior design pay rate depends on your skills, your niche, and your ability to deliver results. Some earn steady salaries, while others make six figures through smart pricing and great work. If you keep learning and stay creative, you’ll go far.

And let’s not forget what really matters; what interior designers do helps people live and work better. From planning layouts to choosing finishes, every step makes a space more useful, more beautiful, and more personal.

If you’re considering a career in design or planning a space upgrade, now is the time. The demand is strong. The tools are better than ever. And the pay is worth

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