How to Become An Interior Designer in New Jersey

New Jersey employs approximately 1,670 interior designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $74,020 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 New Jersey, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.

Quick Answers About Becoming An Interior Designer in New Jersey

How do I become an interior designer in New Jersey? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for interior designers in New Jersey.

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 New Jersey? The median annual wage for interior designers in New Jersey is $74,020 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $46,890 and experienced professionals can earn $134,780 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 (New Jersey): $74,020 per year 1

Interior Designer Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey

Interior Designers Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), interior designers wages in New Jersey vary by metro area.

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)
Experienced
(90th pctile)
New York-Newark-Jersey City5,460$76,580$77,780$41,220$125,990
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington1,170$64,800$71,340$49,820$100,170
Trenton-Princeton80$67,310$73,190$46,450$104,070
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton70$59,280$67,360$44,780$103,370
Atlantic City-Hammonton50$72,490$76,240$46,730$101,370

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 New Jersey

The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest interior designer employment within New Jersey according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual Wage
Trenton-Princeton80$67,310
Atlantic City-Hammonton50$72,490

Explore More Trades in New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for interior designers in New Jersey? New Jersey currently employs approximately 1,670 interior designers 1. Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.

What training programs are available in New Jersey? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in New Jersey.

How much do interior designers earn in New Jersey compared to the national average? The median annual wage for interior designers in New Jersey is $74,020, which is $10,530 above the national median of $63,490 according to BLS data 1.

Citations


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. 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/.