As you might expect, interior designers’ salary earnings are based on a variety of factors.
Of course you'll make more money if you have higher credentials, qualifications, and education; however, your salary range may also depend on your previous work experience, the cost of living in your area, and recommendations from past clientele.
All of these factors contribute to the income you can earn as a licensed interior designer.
The Financial Side of Interior Design
Typically, an experienced interior designer could earn well above $80,000/year, although the median salary is between $31,000 and $57,000/year. These estimates also vary depending on what your area of expertise is as an interior designer. If you work for a large firm that specializes in designing the layout of hotel rooms and the atriums in each building, you could make a very lucrative living. However, if you work for yourself and specialize in residential design, you may not earn as much as an interior designer that works exclusively with larger clients.
Another important factor in an interior designer’s salary is how well you market yourself.
You'll need to make sure that your clients are satisfied and that they'll give good recommendations to your future clients. Usually, when people are thinking about hiring a designer, they'll want to see past examples of their work. If your clients are pleased with what you’ve done for them, they’ll often be glad to give a good recommendation that you can use to back up your portfolio. This is especially important for freelance interior designers who work for themselves instead of with a larger firm.
Interior designers who work for themselves depend on a per-job salary that also depends in many different factors. For example, designers usually get paid a consulting fee – typically a per-hour salary or a lump sum bonus – as well as a percentage of the total cost of the furniture and fixtures used in their design. They may charge by the square footage of the project’s area or a plain fee for the entire project, depending on the contract with the client. Another factor can be a type of “referral fee” that's sometimes given to interior designers who use a specialty contractor. Another thing to remember is that when you're working for yourself, you won't likely receive benefits, so you'll need to factor that in to your salary.
While interior designers who work for larger firms are generally paid a steady salary rate, this rate can change depending on what firm they work for and what their education and training level is. Many times large firms like their designers to have an in-depth understanding of architecture and the computer programs that specialize in design. In addition, your area of expertise can increase your salary – especially if you work with a firm that deals with specialized design. This is especially true if you work for something like a higher end retail chain, hospital, or hotel. If you have an eye for style and an appreciation for beautiful physical spaces, interior design can be a very rewarding way to make a living.
When you enroll in the interior design program at the Academy of Art University, you will learn the design, business, and communication skills you need to succeed as an interior designer. You will learn to combine practical knowledge of materials with creativity and design skills. Learn more about the Academy of Art University | Request free info
Interior design programs at the Art Institutes teach you how to combine space planning, livability, and design in residential and commercial interiors. You will study fundamental design concepts along with industry-related technology.
