Top Interior Design Jobs in 2023 | Costs, Salaries and Hourly Rates

Are you interested in pursuing a career in interior design? As professionals in the field, we recognize that finding the right job can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the top interior design jobs in the United States.

From Interior Design Directors to Residential Designers, we will provide you with valuable information on the costs, salaries, and hourly rates associated with each job. This will help you to navigate your career path in the field of interior design and make informed decisions about your employment opportunities.

In addition, we will explore the interior design job market and job search strategies to help you find the right job for you. With the information we provide, you can confidently pursue a successful career in interior design.

1 Interior Design Director

As we continue to explore the top interior design jobs in the United States, we must acknowledge the critical role of an Interior Design Director . This position requires extensive leadership skills and an in-depth understanding of the design process.

Interior Design Directors manage a team of designers, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that projects are completed successfully. To find interior design jobs as a Director, you can search through interior design job listings and architectural companies that are hiring interior designers .

The salary for an Interior Design Director ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the scope of projects. This career offers excellent interior design career opportunities for those with leadership potential and design expertise.

If you are looking to find interior design jobs as an Interior Design Director, search through interior design job listings, or contact design firms and architectural companies directly. With the right skills and experience, you can pursue a successful career in interior design and make a significant impact in the industry.

2 Senior Interior Designer

As mentioned earlier, the role of a Senior Interior Designer involves leading design projects, developing design concepts, and managing client relationships. With several years of experience in the industry, Senior Interior Designers have a deep understanding of design principles, materials, and construction techniques. Their expertise allows them to oversee other designers and collaborate successfully with other professionals in the design process.

Senior Interior Designers have various career options. They may work in design firms, architectural companies, or as independent professionals. Senior Interior Designer roles are often advertised in interior design job vacancies and job boards. Due to their expertise, Senior Interior Designers are in high demand. Hence, they have excellent employment prospects in the interior design job market.

According to recent interior design salary data, the median annual salary for a Senior Interior Designer is $68,360. The lowest-paid Senior Interior Designers earn less than $43,150 per year, while the highest-paid Senior Interior Designers earn upwards of $111,400 per year. Salaries may vary based on experience, location, and the scope of projects.

Summary of Senior Interior Designer

Overall, becoming a Senior Interior Designer is a promising career option for those who have a passion for interior design. It is a position that requires years of experience but offers excellent employment prospects and a competitive salary. With interior design vacancies and job boards readily available, opportunities for a career in Senior Interior Design are abundant.

3 Residential Designer

A residential designer specializes in designing interiors for homes and apartments. They work closely with clients to understand their preferences and design needs. Residential designers develop design concepts, plan layouts and select appropriate furnishings and finishes to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Aspiring designers looking for careers in interior design can pursue opportunities as a residential designer in design firms, architectural companies, or as an independent professional. The interior design job market is competitive, but there are interior design job vacancies available on interior design job boards and through networking in the industry.

As the table shows, the costs of pursuing a career in residential design can vary depending on whether you attend an in-state or out-of-state college or university. However, the salaries and hourly rates for residential designers can be lucrative, particularly for those with experience and a strong portfolio.

Overall, pursuing a career as a residential designer is a fulfilling and exciting option for those passionate about interior design. With a combination of creativity, design expertise, and interpersonal skills, residential designers can play a crucial role in turning clients’ dreams into reality.

4 Visual Merchandiser Job

A Visual Merchandiser is a person who is responsible for the overall visual appearance of a store. They collaborate with store managers and owners to decide on the layout of the store, the merchandise that will be displayed, and the way that the merchandise will be displayed. Visual Merchandisers also create window displays, in-store displays, and signage.

The role of a Visual Merchandiser is important because they are responsible for creating an environment that is inviting and appealing to customers. A well-designed store can increase foot traffic and ultimately lead to increased sales.

Education and Training

There is no one specific path to becoming a Visual Merchandiser. Some Visual Merchandisers have a degree in fashion merchandising or a related field, while others have experience working in retail or as a salesperson. Many Visual Merchandisers also have experience working with computer-aided design (CAD) software, which can be helpful when creating store layouts and displays.

Skills and Qualities

In order to be successful in this role, Visual Merchandisers must have strong creative skills. They should be able to come up with new and innovative ideas for store layouts and displays. They must also be able to think outside of the box and be willing to take risks. In addition, Visual Merchandisers must have strong communication and interpersonal skills. They will be working closely with store managers and owners, so it is important that they are able to clearly communicate their ideas.

Visual Merchandiser Salary and Job Outlook

The salary for a Visual Merchandiser can vary depending on experience, education, and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Visual Merchandiser is $47,260. The job outlook for this career is positive, with a projected 5% growth rate till 2029.

5 Furniture Store Interior Designer

The furniture store interior designer job is to design the interior of a furniture store. This includes the layout, furnishings, and décor. They work closely with the store manager and owners to create a space that is both functional and appealing to customers.

The average hourly rate for a furniture store interior designer is $50. Costs will vary depending on the size and scope of the project. Payment is typically made after the project is completed.

6 Kitchen and Bath Designer

Are you looking for a career in interior design? If so, then you may be wondering what a kitchen and bath designer is and how much they make.

A kitchen and bath designer is someone who designs kitchens and bathrooms. They work with clients to come up with a design that meets their needs and budget. They then create a plan and oversee the construction or renovation of the space.

Kitchen and bath designers typically have a four-year degree in interior design or a related field. Some states require designers to be licensed. The cost of getting a degree and being licensed can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

The average salary for a kitchen and bath designer is $50,000. However, salaries can range from $30,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on experience, education, and location. Kitchen and bath designers in New York City and other high-cost areas typically earn more than those in other parts of the country.

Many kitchen and bath designers work for design firms or construction companies. Some are self-employed. The work can be challenging and stressful, but it can also be creative and rewarding.

If you’re thinking about becoming a kitchen and bath designer, be prepared to invest time and money into your education and training. It’s also important to have a strong portfolio of work to show potential clients. But if you have the passion for design and the drive to succeed, a career as a kitchen and bath designer can be very rewarding.

7 Interior Decorator

An interior decorator is someone who is responsible for the aesthetic appeal of a space. This can be a commercial space, such as a store or office, or a private residence. An interior decorator will work with a client to determine their taste and style, and then select furniture, flooring, window treatments, and other elements to create a cohesive and attractive space.

The cost of an interior decorator will vary depending on their experience and the size and scope of the project. For a small project, such as redecorating a single room, the cost may be as low as $500. For a larger project, such as an entire home or office, the cost can be upwards of $5,000.

Most interior decorators will charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $50 to $200 per hour. Some may also charge a flat fee for the project, regardless of the number of hours required.

If you are interested in hiring an interior decorator, be sure to get several estimates and ask for references. Once you have hired a decorator, be sure to communicate your budget and expectations clearly. This will help to ensure that you are both on the same page and that the project stays on track.

8 Exhibition Designer

An exhibition designer is a professional within the museum, gallery, or exhibition industry who is responsible for the design and layout of exhibitions and galleries. Their job is to ensure that the exhibition space is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, and that it effectively communicates the exhibition’s theme or story to visitors.

Exhibition designers may work freelance or in-house for a museum, gallery, exhibition company, or architectural firm. In-house positions are usually more stable and offer greater opportunities for career advancement, while freelance positions offer more flexibility and variety.

The cost of living and working as an exhibition designer can vary greatly depending on the location. For example, designers based in New York City or London will likely have a higher cost of living and working than those based in smaller cities or towns. Additionally, freelance designers may have to pay for their own health insurance and other benefits, which can add to their overall costs.

Hourly rates for an exhibition designer can range from $20 to $100 per hour, depending on their experience and the project requirements. designers who are just starting out in their careers may charge lower hourly rates, while those with more experience may charge higher rates. design projects may also have different billing rates depending on their scope and complexity. For example, a small project may be charged at a lower hourly rate, while a larger, more complex project may be charged at a higher rate.

Ultimately, the cost of working with an exhibition designer will depend on a variety of factors, including their location, experience, and the project requirements. However, by considering all of these factors, you can be sure to find a designer whose services fit your budget.

9 Production Designer

As an interior designer, you may find yourself working in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial and institutional. Your job will be to create and oversee the construction of beautiful, functional and safe environments.

The job of a production interior designer is to take the lead in designing the interiors of homes, offices, shops, restaurants, hotels and other buildings. As a production interior designer, you will be responsible for managing the design team, coordinating with other professionals such as architects and engineers, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.

In addition to your creative talent, you will need strong project management skills to be successful in this role. Production interior designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field. Many also complete internships or apprenticeships to gain experience in the field.

The median annual salary for production interior designers was $58,810 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay ranges from $38,520 for the bottom 10 percent of earners to $92,750 for the top 10 percent.

The average hourly wage for production interior designers was $28.21 in 2016. Rates can range from $16.73 for the bottom 10 percent of earners to $44.54 for the top 10 percent.

Most production interior designers are paid an hourly rate, though some may receive a salary. Your pay will depend on factors such as your experience, education, skills and the size and location of the company you work for.

If you’re just starting out in the field, you can expect to earn around $20 per hour. With experience, you can earn up to $35 per hour or more. The top earners in the field make $50 per hour or more.

To get started in this career, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field. Many designers also complete internships or apprenticeships to gain experience in the field. After graduation, you will need to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam to be licensed in most states.

The cost of your education will vary depending on the school you attend and the type of program you choose. A four-year interior design program at a public university will typically cost around $25,000. A private school or an online program will cost more.

Once you have your degree and license, you can start applying for jobs. The average entry-level salary for interior designers is $32,000 per year, according to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). With experience, you can earn up to $60,000 per year or more.

The cost of living in your area will also affect your salary. For example, designers in New York City and other high-cost areas will need to earn more to cover their costs of living than those in smaller cities.

To find a job as an interior designer, you can search online job boards, networking sites like LinkedIn, or contact design firms directly. Many designers also find work through word-of-mouth referrals.

When applying for a job, be sure to include a portfolio of your best work. Your portfolio should showcase your skills and style and give potential employers an idea of the type of work you can do.

Once you land a job, you’ll need to stay current on trends and developments in the field. You can do this by attending workshops and conferences, reading design magazines, and following design blogs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have explored the top 9 interior design jobs in the United States, along with the costs, salaries, and hourly rates associated with each job. We hope that this information has provided you with valuable insights into the employment opportunities available in the field of interior design.

Interior design is a dynamic and diverse industry, with job openings for professionals at different levels of expertise and specialization. Whether you aspire to become an Interior Design Director, a Senior Interior Designer, or a Residential Designer, there are career options and prospects for you to explore.

It is important to note that the costs, salaries, and hourly rates of interior design jobs may vary based on several factors, including experience, location, and the scope of projects. Therefore, it is advisable to research and evaluate different job opportunities carefully before making a decision.

We encourage you to leverage the information provided in this article to navigate your career path in the field of interior design successfully. With hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for design, you can achieve your career goals and fulfill your potential as an interior designer.