How to Become An Interior Designer in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania employs approximately 1,820 interior designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $62,400 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 Pennsylvania, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.

Quick Answers About Becoming An Interior Designer in Pennsylvania

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

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 Pennsylvania? The median annual wage for interior designers in Pennsylvania is $62,400 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $44,470 and experienced professionals can earn $97,820 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 (Pennsylvania): $62,400 per year 1

Interior Designer Wages by Metro Area in Pennsylvania

Interior Designers Wages by Metro Area in Pennsylvania

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

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)
Experienced
(90th pctile)
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington1,170$64,800$71,340$49,820$100,170
Pittsburgh320$60,380$65,990$44,140$96,310
Lancaster90$61,240$65,710$46,440$97,650
Harrisburg-Carlisle80$65,140$71,580$44,470$107,140
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton70$59,280$67,360$44,780$103,370
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre40$60,690$65,690$47,580$97,940
York-Hanover40$59,370$64,420$36,860$96,570

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 Pennsylvania

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

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual Wage
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington1,170$64,800
Pittsburgh320$60,380
Lancaster90$61,240
Harrisburg-Carlisle80$65,140
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton70$59,280

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for interior designers in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania currently employs approximately 1,820 interior designers 1. Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.

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

How much do interior designers earn in Pennsylvania compared to the national average? The median annual wage for interior designers in Pennsylvania is $62,400, which is $1,090 below 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/.