How to Become an Interior Designer

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Ever walk into a beautifully designed room and think, “I could do this for a living”? Interior designers turn that passion for creativity and space planning into a real career.

Interior designers use color, lighting, materials, and furniture to make spaces both functional and visually stunning. From homes to offices, hotels to retail stores, they help shape how people experience interior environments.

If you have an eye for detail, love problem-solving, and enjoy balancing art with practicality, interior design could be your perfect career path.

Quick Facts: Interior Designer Salary, Education, and Outlook

Median Pay $63,490 $30.52/hr Top 10%: $106,090

Job Outlook (2024–2034) 3.2% 7,800 openings/yr

Employment (2024) 69,580

🏁Wage Percentiles: 25th $49,770 75th $80,830
🎓Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related field
🛠️On‑the‑Job Training: None
🌎Highest Paying States: Washington District of Columbia California
🏢Top Industries: Cross-industry
✅Certification: Optional (NCIDQ Certification)

What Interior Designers Do

Interior designers plan and furnish residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They create designs that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing — often using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling software.

Typical Responsibilities

Meet with clients to discuss project goals, style, and budget
Develop design concepts and mood boards
Select color palettes, furniture, lighting, and materials
Prepare drawings, blueprints, and presentations
Coordinate with architects, contractors, and vendors
Ensure designs meet building codes and accessibility standards

The best interior designers combine creativity with strong technical and communication skills.

Key Skills and Traits for Success

Strong sense of style and creativity
Excellent spatial awareness and visualization
Knowledge of design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp)
Understanding of architecture and safety codes
Good communication and project management
Attention to detail and problem-solving ability

Common Work Settings

Interior design firms
Architecture and engineering offices
Real estate and staging companies
Furniture manufacturers
Freelance and self-employed designers

How to Become an Interior Designer (5 Steps)

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Take art, math, and computer design classes to prepare for interior design school.

2. Complete a Degree in Interior Design

Most interior designers hold a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field. Look for programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

3. Build a Portfolio

Showcase your best projects and design concepts. Employers and clients often hire based on visual portfolios.

4. Gain Work Experience

Internships or assistant designer roles help you learn project coordination, sourcing, and client interaction.

5. Get Certified (Optional)

Consider earning the NCIDQ Certification (National Council for Interior Design Qualification), which proves your expertise and can open up higher-paying roles.

Interior Designer Salary by State

State	Median annual	Top 10% annual
District of Columbia	$79,060	$139,150
California	$77,360	$131,870
Arkansas	$63,670	$130,720
Vermont	$62,130	$129,760
Colorado	$72,740	$127,230
Oregon	$64,250	$122,460
Massachusetts	$77,190	$119,740
Washington	$79,490	$119,550
Georgia	$61,810	$117,840
Iowa	$57,790	$116,400
Mississippi	$44,120	$112,020
Maryland	$70,810	$111,890
New York	$73,630	$109,980
New Jersey	$67,290	$109,660
Wisconsin	$61,360	$108,340
Illinois	$66,300	$105,960
Wyoming	$75,120	$105,160
Virginia	$66,450	$104,930
Texas	$61,620	$102,630
Hawaii	$60,600	$101,500
Alabama	$57,290	$99,900
Minnesota	$67,070	$99,830
Michigan	$62,760	$99,680
Nevada	$68,620	$99,580
Missouri	$58,830	$98,890
Florida	$60,200	$98,390
South Dakota	$62,140	$98,300
Pennsylvania	$64,680	$98,130
Ohio	$58,720	$95,880
South Carolina	$59,450	$95,770
Rhode Island	$61,080	$95,410
Connecticut	$59,490	$93,200
New Hampshire	$60,650	$92,410
Arizona	$63,950	$91,890
Delaware	$55,230	$91,530
Tennessee	$58,730	$89,460
Indiana	$60,590	$89,040
Kansas	$54,400	$88,990
Nebraska	$58,300	$86,920
Louisiana	$57,150	$86,570
North Carolina	$53,180	$86,540
Kentucky	$50,220	$85,880
Utah	$60,170	$85,660
Idaho	$59,580	$84,640
West Virginia	$45,090	$83,760
Maine	$54,720	$82,240
North Dakota	$56,640	$81,570
Oklahoma	$52,240	$80,940
Montana	$53,230	$80,330
New Mexico	$50,400	$56,430

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.

💡 Top salaries often go to designers specializing in luxury residential, hospitality, or corporate interiors.

Education and Certification Paths

Pathway	Typical Duration	Outcome
Associate Degree	2 years	Entry-level drafting or assistant roles
Bachelor’s Degree	4 years	Professional interior designer
NCIDQ Certification	After degree + experience	Advanced credential
Master’s in Interior Architecture	2 years	Specialization or teaching roles

Career Growth and Advancement

Experienced interior designers can move into roles such as:

Design Director or Senior Designer
Commercial Space Planner
Project Manager
Furniture or Lighting Designer
Design Firm Owner / Freelancer

Designers with strong digital visualization and sustainability skills are in especially high demand.

Cost and Duration of Training

Program Cost: $6,000–$25,000 depending on degree and school
Duration: 2–4 years
Certification Exam: NCIDQ, typically $400–$700

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

Creative and rewarding work
High flexibility and freelance options
Strong demand in commercial and sustainable design
Potential for higher earnings with experience

⚠️ Cons

Competitive industry
Irregular hours and tight deadlines
Initial licensing or certification costs

Start Your Interior Design Career Today

Interior design is a career where art meets function. If you’re passionate about creating spaces people love to live and work in, now is the time to start your training.

🎓 Find Interior Design Schools Near You

Interior Designer Salary by State

State	Median annual	Top 10% annual
District of Columbia	$79,060	$139,150
California	$77,360	$131,870
Arkansas	$63,670	$130,720
Vermont	$62,130	$129,760
Colorado	$72,740	$127,230
Oregon	$64,250	$122,460
Massachusetts	$77,190	$119,740
Washington	$79,490	$119,550
Georgia	$61,810	$117,840
Iowa	$57,790	$116,400
Mississippi	$44,120	$112,020
Maryland	$70,810	$111,890
New York	$73,630	$109,980
New Jersey	$67,290	$109,660
Wisconsin	$61,360	$108,340
Illinois	$66,300	$105,960
Wyoming	$75,120	$105,160
Virginia	$66,450	$104,930
Texas	$61,620	$102,630
Hawaii	$60,600	$101,500
Alabama	$57,290	$99,900
Minnesota	$67,070	$99,830
Michigan	$62,760	$99,680
Nevada	$68,620	$99,580
Missouri	$58,830	$98,890
Florida	$60,200	$98,390
South Dakota	$62,140	$98,300
Pennsylvania	$64,680	$98,130
Ohio	$58,720	$95,880
South Carolina	$59,450	$95,770
Rhode Island	$61,080	$95,410
Connecticut	$59,490	$93,200
New Hampshire	$60,650	$92,410
Arizona	$63,950	$91,890
Delaware	$55,230	$91,530
Tennessee	$58,730	$89,460
Indiana	$60,590	$89,040
Kansas	$54,400	$88,990
Nebraska	$58,300	$86,920
Louisiana	$57,150	$86,570
North Carolina	$53,180	$86,540
Kentucky	$50,220	$85,880
Utah	$60,170	$85,660
Idaho	$59,580	$84,640
West Virginia	$45,090	$83,760
Maine	$54,720	$82,240
North Dakota	$56,640	$81,570
Oklahoma	$52,240	$80,940
Montana	$53,230	$80,330
New Mexico	$50,400	$56,430

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.