How to Become An Interior Designer in New York
New York employs approximately 5,340 interior designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $75,580 1. The state’s concentration of interior designer jobs is 1.20x the national average, indicating strong demand. 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 York, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Interior Designer in New York
How do I become an interior designer in New York? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for interior designers in New York.
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 York? The median annual wage for interior designers in New York is $75,580 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,990 and experienced professionals can earn $125,620 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 York): $75,580 per year 1
Interior Designer Wages by Metro Area in New York
Interior Designers Wages by Metro Area in New York
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), interior designers wages in New York vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 5,460 | $76,580 | $77,780 | $41,220 | $125,990 |
| Rochester | 170 | $58,130 | $65,050 | $36,490 | $103,540 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | 150 | $55,380 | $64,210 | $36,310 | $103,810 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | 150 | $56,420 | $64,390 | $40,030 | $101,610 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | 130 | $57,320 | $64,670 | $42,610 | $107,470 |
| Syracuse | 70 | $54,470 | $60,790 | $36,830 | $102,390 |
| Utica-Rome | 40 | $50,770 | $55,640 | $39,330 | $81,130 |
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 York
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest interior designer employment within New York according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 5,460 | $76,580 |
| Rochester | 170 | $58,130 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | 150 | $55,380 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | 150 | $56,420 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | 130 | $57,320 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for interior designers in New York? New York currently employs approximately 5,340 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 York? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in New York.
How much do interior designers earn in New York compared to the national average? The median annual wage for interior designers in New York is $75,580, which is $12,090 above 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/.