How to Become An Interior Designer in Iowa
Iowa employs approximately 510 interior designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $58,040 1. Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 7,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an interior designer in Iowa, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Interior Designer in Iowa
How do I become an interior designer in Iowa? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for interior designers in Iowa.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do interior designers earn in Iowa? The median annual wage for interior designers in Iowa is $58,040 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $39,510 and experienced professionals can earn $118,770 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Iowa): $58,040 per year 1
Interior Designer Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
Interior Designers Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), interior designers wages in Iowa vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 270 | $67,120 | $71,150 | $44,860 | $101,440 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 190 | $57,840 | $71,830 | $44,510 | $121,020 |
| Cedar Rapids | 50 | $50,300 | $69,600 | $38,270 | $123,190 |
| Iowa City | 50 | $58,890 | $73,070 | $39,520 | $117,730 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 40 | $52,410 | $63,310 | $38,850 | $104,370 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 40 | $59,470 | $67,540 | $35,990 | $115,960 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Interior designers in Iowa
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest interior designer employment within Iowa according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 190 | $57,840 |
| Cedar Rapids | 50 | $50,300 |
| Iowa City | 50 | $58,890 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 40 | $52,410 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 40 | $59,470 |
Explore More Trades in Iowa
- Electrician in Iowa
- Plumber in Iowa
- HVAC Technician in Iowa
- Welder in Iowa
- Carpenter in Iowa
- Solar Installation Technician in Iowa
- Auto Mechanic in Iowa
- CNC Machinist in Iowa
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa
- Medical Assistant in Iowa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for interior designers in Iowa? Iowa currently employs approximately 510 interior designers 1. Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Iowa? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Iowa.
How much do interior designers earn in Iowa compared to the national average? The median annual wage for interior designers in Iowa is $58,040, which is $5,450 below the national median of $63,490 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.