Interior Designer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$60,000
national median salary
$46,000 to $80,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$83,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$63,000
Sacramento, CA
Lowest Paying
$46,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Interior Designer salary in the United States is $60,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $46,000 at the 25th percentile to $80,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $83,000, while Sacramento offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Specialization in commercial, hospitality, or healthcare interiors drives higher pay than residential work.
Interior Designer salary by city
Skills that increase Interior Designer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Interior Designers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $6,000 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$6,000 per year
≈ +$4,200 per year
≈ +$3,000 per year
≈ +$3,000 per year
≈ +$2,400 per year
≈ +$2,400 per year
≈ +$2,400 per year
What you should know
Specialization in commercial, hospitality, or healthcare interiors drives higher pay than residential work. Designers with NCIDQ certification, proficiency in Revit and 3D visualization, and a portfolio of large-scale projects earn at the top of the range in major metros.
Junior Interior Designers start at $46,000 to $54,000. Mid-level designers managing client relationships and full projects earn $58,000 to $72,000. Senior Designers and Design Directors reach $75,000 to $95,000, with firm principals and celebrity designers earning well above $120,000.
Self-employed interior designers often earn more through markup on furnishings and materials, adding 20 to 35% to effective income. Salaried roles may include bonuses of 5 to 10% and trade account access for personal projects.