Interior designer profession offers a fascinating path for creative minds to crafting and Shaping functional living spaces. But beyond the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life, financial security is important. So, how much can you expect to earn as an interior designer in the USA?
This article explores the Interior Designers wages in United States Of America, exploring the factors that influence your earning potential and offering tips to maximize Interior Designers income in this dynamic field.
Defining the Interior Designers:
Interior designers are professionals skilled in planning, designing and furnishing residential and commercial interior spaces to transform interior environments according to their clients’ needs and preferences.
Interior Designers Salary Range
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1, the annual median salary for Interior Designers is $62,510. Interior Designers earn salaries ranging from $37,730 to $101,860 annually.
Top 10% earners: Exceed $101,860 annually
Bottom 10% earners: Make less than $37,730 annually
Projected annual median salary for Interior Designers in 2024-2025 (with 2.5% increase) is $64,072.
- Interior Designers Salary Range
- Top Paying Industries for Interior Designers
- Top Paying U.S. States for Interior Designers
- Interior Designers Take-Home Pay
- Expenses and Savings Potential Estimates in USA
- Beyond the Base Salary
- Factors Affecting Interior Designers Income
- Boosting Interior Designers Salary: Skills and Tips
The median annual wages for Interior Designers in the Top industries
Chart 1: Median annual wages for Interior Designers in the top industries (U.S. BLS. May 20232)
This wide range highlights the diverse factors that influence a Interior Designers income in USA. We will be discussing those factors below.
Top Paying Industries for Interior Designers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveals that Interior Designers working for Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments earn the highest annual salaries, exceeding $110,000 annually (U.S BLS May 20233).
Other high-paying industries in USA includes Federal, State, and Local Government etc.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $ 53.34 | $ 110,940 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) | $ 44.86 | $ 93,320 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $ 39.15 | $ 81,440 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $ 38.37 | $ 79,810 |
| State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | $ 38.06 | $ 79,170 |
Industry with highest Employment Level for Interior Designers
Most number of Interior Designers are employed in Specialized Design Services, followed by Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services.
Chart 2: Industry with highest employment level for Interior Designers
Top Paying U.S. States for Interior Designers
District of Columbia leads the pack with the highest annual mean wage for Interior Designers in USA. Following closely are California and Massachusetts all offering wages exceeding $92,000 annually (U.S BLS4).
| State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| District of Columbia | $ 44.38 | $ 92,310 |
| California | $ 39.22 | $ 81,570 |
| Massachusetts | $ 38.13 | $ 79,310 |
| Washington | $ 37.14 | $ 77,240 |
| New York | $ 36.21 | $ 75,310 |
Click Here To View Wages of All States U.S. States with the highest employment level for Interior Designers California leads in providing employment to the Interior Designers, followed by New York and Florida. Chart 3: States with the highest employment level for Interior Designers After factoring in federal and state taxes, a Interior Designers with a state-wise annual mean salary, would have an estimated net income as follows: Taxes and take home pay estimate for a single filer New-York: $75,310 (Annual mean wage) – $12,552 (Estimated income tax) = $62,758 (Estimated take home pay). California: $81,570 (Annual mean wage) –$14,048 (Estimated income tax) = $67,522 (Estimated take home pay). Texas: $67,650 (Annual mean wage) – $7,143 (Estimated income tax) = $60,507 (Estimated take home pay). More taxes can be saved by contributions in IRA, retirement, itemized deduction such as charitable contributions, medical and dental expenses. The average annual expenses for a single person household in New York are estimated at $46,584 excluding taxes, according to estimates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology5. (The figures are measured in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) Based on this estimate, a Interior Designers earning the take home pay of $62,758, with basic expenses could potentially save $16,174 annually. It’s important to note that individual expenses can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and location. Savings for Married Couples/Households: While the data provided doesn’t explicitly detail salary savings for married couples or households, it’s important to consider that combined incomes and potentially shared expenses could significantly increase overall savings potential in USA. Total compensation for Interior Designers goes beyond the hourly or annual wage. Organizations offer additional benefits such as: Health insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your dependents. Travel allowances: To reimburse travel expenses incurred during relocation. Paid time off: Vacation days and sick leave. Bonuses & Profit Sharing: Top-performing designers may be eligible for annual bonuses based on individual, team, or company profitability targets. Life insurance: This benefit provides financial protection for an employees family in the event of their death. Continuing education reimbursement: Support for professional development and training. Retirement savings plans: Retirement planning gets a helping hand with employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s. These plans offer tax advantages for saving. Employers may also match employee contributions. Several factors can affect Interior Designers paycheck: Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Entry-level interior designers can expect lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with proven track records command higher compensation. Education and Certifications: Interior designers who obtain professional certification and credentials from organizations like the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) or the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) tend to earn higher salaries. Location: Geographic location significantly impacts Interior Designers salaries. U.S. States like New York, Connecticut, and New jersey offer some of the highest pay, while others may offer lower wages. Industry: The industry you work in can impact your salary. Monetary authorities and publishers generally offer the highest wages. Freelancing: Freelance interior designers have the potential to set their own rates. Employer: Working for a large or a reputed design firm might offer higher compensation packages compared to smaller design firms. Contract Details: The specific terms of the employment contract, including factors like housing stipends, overtime pay, and benefits, can affect the overall compensation package. So, how can Interior Designers maximize their salary? Here are some tips: Specialization: Specializing in a specific area, like sustainable design, healthcare design, or kitchen and bath design, can enhance your expertise and potentially lead to higher-paying projects. Develop Skills: Develop expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling software and learn computer rendering, drafting, and building information modeling (BIM). Negotiate Your Salary: Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary during the job offer stage. Research market rates for Interior Designers with your experience and qualifications. Build Strong Client Relationships: Excellent communication and customer service skills are essential. Building trust and rapport with clients can lead to repeat business and referrals. Network and Build Connections: Networking with other designers, architects, contractors, and potential clients can open doors to new opportunities and projects. Continue Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in your field by attending conferences and pursuing training opportunities. Conclusion: A career as a Interior Designers in United States offers both professional satisfaction and the potential for a high salary. By understanding the various factors that influence salary and carefully managing expenses, Interior Designers can make informed decisions and pave the way for a rewarding and financially secure career path. Share this Post Note: This article provides general information only and should not be considered financial advice: Your individual circumstances and specific job offer details will significantly impact your actual earnings. Seek professional guidance: Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized advice on managing your finances and maximizing your savings potential. ResourcesState name Employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage Alabama (al) 570 29.25 60840 Arizona (az) 1390 29.95 62290 Arkansas (ar) 860 33.65 69990 California (ca) 8590 39.22 81570 Colorado (co) 2480 33.38 69430 Connecticut (ct) 660 33.46 69590 Delaware (de) 220 23.51 48890 District of Columbia (dc) 620 44.38 92310 Florida (fl) 6600 31.19 64880 Georgia (ga) 2260 31.19 64880 Hawaii (hi) 210 29.83 62050 Idaho (id) 240 28.31 58890 Illinois (il) 2210 34.08 70880 Indiana (in) 940 29.03 60380 Iowa (ia) 570 27.32 56820 Kansas (ks) 600 27.60 57400 Kentucky (ky) 310 32.65 67920 Louisiana (la) 260 24.66 51280 Maine (me) 210 24.59 51160 Maryland (md) 830 32.26 67110 Massachusetts (ma) 1700 38.13 79310 Michigan (mi) 2250 31.82 66190 Minnesota (mn) 1210 31.77 66090 Mississippi (ms) 140 23.90 49710 Missouri (mo) 900 30.92 64320 Montana (mt) 420 25.33 52680 Nebraska (ne) 440 26.76 55650 Nevada (nv) 530 36.17 75240 New Hampshire (nh) 270 29.48 61320 New Jersey (nj) 1680 33.36 69390 New Mexico (nm) 140 26.43 54980 New York (ny) 6900 36.21 75310 North Carolina (nc) 1960 28.43 59130 North Dakota (nd) 160 23.68 49250 Ohio (oh) 1790 26.86 55860 Oklahoma (ok) 480 26.69 55500 Oregon (or) 540 35.41 73650 Pennsylvania (pa) 2280 31.59 65720 Puerto Rico (pr) 240 15.98 33240 Rhode Island (ri) 260 29.86 62100 South Carolina (sc) 1140 24.68 51330 South Dakota (sd) 200 32.12 66800 Tennessee (tn) 1290 27.00 56170 Texas (tx) 4850 32.52 67650 Utah (ut) 1110 29.84 62060 Vermont (vt) 110 34.84 72460 Virginia (va) 1710 34.51 71770 Washington (wa) 1580 37.14 77240 West Virginia (wv) 60 24.86 51700 Wisconsin (wi) 940 27.95 58130 Wyoming (wy) 80 Estimate not released by U.S. BLS. Estimate not released by U.S. BLS. 
Interior Designers Take-Home Pay
Expenses and Savings Potential Estimates in USA
Beyond the Base Salary
Factors Affecting Interior Designers Income
Boosting Interior Designers Salary: Skills and Tips
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