How Much Do Interior Designers Make? Salary Guide for 2025
If you’re considering a career in interior design, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely:
Is Interior Design a High-Paying Career?
Interior design can be a lucrative career, but success isn’t just about talent - it’s about strategy. The designers who earn the most don’t just create beautiful spaces; they position themselves in high-value markets, build strong personal brands, and price their services to reflect their expertise. Specializing in luxury residential or commercial interiors, leveraging social media for visibility, and diversifying income streams beyond client work - such as product collaborations or affiliate marketing - can significantly boost earning potential. Whether you’re freelancing, working within a firm, or launching your own design business, the path to six-figure success is possible with the right approach.
Interior design is a dynamic profession that blends creativity with business and technical expertise. Salaries vary based on experience, location, specialization, and whether you work for a firm or run your own business. In this comprehensive salary guide, we’ll break down how much interior designers make in 2025, what factors impact earnings, and how you can maximize your income in this field.
Average Interior Designer Salaries in 2025
What’s the Average Salary for an Interior Designer?
Entry-Level (0-3 years experience):
$40,000 - $55,000 per year
Freelancers may start at $25-$50 per hour
Mid-Level (4-7 years experience):
$55,000 - $85,000 per year
Freelancers may charge $75-$150 per hour
Senior-Level (8+ years experience):
$85,000 - $150,000+ per year
High-end designers can charge $200-$500 per hour
Luxury interior designers can earn six to seven figures annually
Freelance & Business Owners:
Self-employed interior designers have unlimited earning potential.
Some designers scale their business through online courses, digital products, or affiliate marketing.
Highest Paying Interior Design Jobs
Some designers earn significantly more depending on their specialization and clientele.
Luxury Interior Designers
Hospitality & Commercial Designers
Sustainable & Green Designers
Retail & Brand Space Designers
Healthcare & Wellness Designers
If you want to increase your earning potential, specializing is key.
How Do Interior Designers Get Paid?
There are multiple ways interior designers structure their fees, and your pricing model will impact your overall earnings. It's important to know how your expertise fits into your pricing structure as well as what your overall market area is doing to remain competitive and ensure you’re asking the right rates and structuring your pay structure appropriately.
1. Hourly Rate
Best for smaller projects or consulting services.
Average hourly rates range from $50 - $500 per hour, depending on experience and specialization.
2. Flat Fee / Fixed Rate
Ideal for larger projects with a clear scope of work.
Designers charge $3,000 - $60,000+ per project, depending on size and complexity.
3. Cost-Plus (Markup on Materials & Furniture)
Designers charge clients for materials at cost + markup (typically 10% - 40%).
Higher-end projects = higher earnings.
4. Retainer or Monthly Fee
Used for long-term projects or ongoing consultations.
Some designers charge $5,000 - $20,000 per month for continuous work with high-end or specific clients.
5. Online & Passive Income
Some designers make money beyond client work through:
E-Design Services
Online courses or memberships
Digital downloads
Affiliate marketing
Factors That Affect Interior Designer Salaries
Interior designers can significantly increase their income by considering the following:
1. Location Matters
Interior design salaries can vary significantly based on location, largely due to differences in the following:
Market demand
Cost of living
Client expectations
In major urban centers, where luxury real estate and high-end commercial developments thrive, designers often command higher fees because clients expect a higher level of design sophistication and exclusivity. Big cities like London, Paris, and New York are prime examples - each with a competitive design market that caters to affluent homeowners, corporate clients, and hospitality brands willing to invest in top-tier design expertise.
In North America, cities like Los Angeles and Toronto also command higher interior design fees. Los Angeles, with its luxury real estate market, celebrity clientele, and thriving hospitality industry, creates strong demand for high-end, bespoke interiors. Toronto, as Canada’s largest city and a hub for luxury condominiums, corporate headquarters, and high-end residential projects, also supports higher design fees
In contrast, suburban and rural areas tend to have lower overall budgets for interior projects, as the demand for high-end, custom design is generally lower. In these markets, designers may find themselves working with more cost-conscious clients, leading to lower fees compared to their urban counterparts.
2. Specialization & Niche
Some interior design niches are more profitable than others.
High-Paying Specialties:
Luxury residential interiors (luxury homes, high-end clients)
Hotel & hospitality design (where clientele often select their stay based on the design of the space)
Corporate office interiors (big-budget commercial projects)
Sustainable & eco-friendly design (where budgets account for innovation in design)
Lower-Paying Specialties:
Budget-friendly home staging
e-design services with low-ticket pricing
Small projects such as a one-room renovation
3. Experience & Portfolio Strength
A strong portfolio and reputation can attract high-paying clients.
Designers with 5+ years of experience earn 30% - 50% more than entry-level designers.
4. Business & Marketing Skills
Freelancers & firm owners earn more if they have great marketing, branding, and sales strategies.
The ability to close high-ticket projects separates six-figure designers from average earners.
How to Earn More as an Interior Designer
If you want to maximize your income in interior design, follow these strategies:
1. Specialize in a High-Paying Niche
Luxury homes, high-end hotels, corporate offices = higher fees.
Consider becoming an expert in sustainable design or smart home tech.
2. Build a Strong Online Presence
Create a portfolio website showcasing your best work.
Use Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube to attract potential clients.
3. Raise Your Rates with Confidence
Many designers undercharge at first - don’t be afraid to increase your prices.
If demand is high, your rates should reflect your expertise.
4. Offer Additional Services
Sell digital products, like guides, templates, and mood boards.
Add e-design services for remote clients.
5. Network & Build Industry Relationships
Collaborate with real estate agents, developers, and furniture brands to get referrals.
Join interior design organizations that allow you to network and build your brand presence.
Is Interior Design a High-Paying Career?
Yes - if you specialize, market yourself well, and target the right clientele.
Interior Designers Who Earn the Most:
Work in luxury residential or commercial interiors
Have strong branding & social media presence
Price their services appropriately for their expertise
Offer additional revenue streams beyond client work
With the right strategies interior design can be highly profitable. Whether you work for a design firm, freelance, or launch your own business, the potential for six-figure earnings is very real.
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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