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Architecture Interior Designer I Salary in the United States

How much does an Architecture Interior Designer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architecture Interior Designer I in the United States is $53,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, an Architecture Interior Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,880
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,701 to $58,601
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,056
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Architecture Interior Designer I Salaries

An Architecture Interior Designer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Architecture Interior Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architecture Interior Designer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Architecture Interior Designer I (0-2 years): $53,824
  • Intermediate Interior Designer (2-4 years): $60,827
  • Senior Interior Designer (4-7 years): $70,057
  • Specialist Interior Designer (7+ years): $80,818
  • Expert/Principal Interior Designer (7-10 years): $93,621
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Architecture Interior Designer I0-2 years$53,824
Intermediate Interior Designer2-4 years$60,827
Senior Interior Designer4-7 years$70,057
Specialist Interior Designer7+ years$80,818
Expert/Principal Interior Designer7-10 years$93,621
View as Graph

How Do Architecture Interior Designer I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Architecture Interior Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $59,601.
  • California: $59,401.
  • Massachusetts: $58,601.

Top Paying Cities for Architecture Interior Designer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $67,901
  • San Francisco: $67,201
  • Oakland: $65,801

What Skills Can Increase an Architecture Interior Designer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Presentation (Mentioned in 5.76% Job Postings): Presentation conveys information from a speaker to an audience. Presentations are typically demonstrations, introduction, lecture, or speech meant to inform, persuade, inspire, motivate, build goodwill, or present a new idea/product.
  • Space Planning (Mentioned in 2.04% Job Postings): Analyzing, organizing, and building interior design layouts to maximize available space in accordance with client's specifications.
  • Business Model (Mentioned in 1.37% Job Postings): The term business model refers to a company's plan for making a profit. It identifies the products or services the business plans to sell, its identified target market, and any anticipated expenses.
Skills Demand Percentage
Presentation 5.76%
Space Planning 2.04%
Business Model 1.37%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Architecture Interior Designer I's salary.

  • Communication Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Architectural Design: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Communication Skills $59,830
11%
Architectural Design $57,135
6%
Consulting $56,596
5%
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Architecture Interior Designer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Architecture Interior Designer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,177. While startup companies pay approximate $49,194.

Architecture Interior Designer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,194
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,034
Established 501~5000 $56,173
Enterprise 5000+ $58,177

Architecture Interior Designer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architecture Interior Designer I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Architecture Interior Designer positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Architecture Interior Designer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Architecture Interior Designer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Retail & Wholesale$59,291$29.010%

How Education impacts an Architecture Interior Designer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Architecture Interior Designer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Architecture Interior Designer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $47,520 and $52,923).

Architecture Interior Designer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Architecture Interior Designer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.4%
High School 4.2%
Associates 11.8%
Bachelors 75.6%
Masters 8.0%
Doctorate 0.1%
View as Graph

Architecture Interior Designer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architecture Interior Designer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$47,701
Average $53,901/year
$58,601
$3,975
Average $4,492/month
$4,883
$917
Average $1,037/week
$1,127
$23
Average $26/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $58,601 $4,883 $1,127 $28
Average $53,901 $4,492 $1,037 $26
25th Percentile $47,701 $3,975 $917 $23

Architecture Interior Designer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Architecture Interior Designer I

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Advancement

For an Architecture Interior Designer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Interior Designer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $60,900 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Architecture Interior Designer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Architecture Interior Designer I

Here are companies hiring for Architecture Interior Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Architecture Interior Designer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Architecture Interior Designer I?

The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Architecture Interior Designer I roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. Do architects get paid well in USA?

In the USA, the salary for an Architecture Interior Designer ranges from $42,001 to $58,101, with a mid-salary of $53,001. While this is lower than the average architect's salary of $144,206, it reflects the specialized nature of interior design within the architecture field. Entry-level positions typically start around $42,001, while experienced designers can earn closer to the mid-range.

3. How much do interior architects make in the US?

Interior architects in the US typically earn between $42,001 and $58,101 annually. The average salary is around $53,001, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a general overview of the salary expectations for this profession.

4. Can you become an interior designer with a degree in architecture?

Yes, you can become an interior designer with a degree in architecture. The interior design industry offers a dynamic environment with quicker project turnover, allowing for greater creativity. Architects often transition into this field, benefiting from a salary range of $42,001 to $58,101, with a mid-salary of $53,001, making it an attractive career choice.

5. Do interior architects need a license?

Yes, interior architects often need a license, especially in states like California, Florida, Nevada, and Louisiana, where licensing is mandatory. These regulations define the practice scope and set criteria for obtaining a license. Salaries for architecture interior designers typically range from $42,001 to $58,101, with a mid-salary of $53,001.

6. Can you be both an architect and an interior designer?

Yes, a person can be both an interior designer and an architect, which is quite common. As an interior designer, you can expect a salary ranging from $42,001 to $58,101, with a mid-range salary of about $53,001. This dual expertise can enhance your career opportunities and earning potential in the design field.

7. Can you be a millionaire from interior design?

While becoming a millionaire in interior design is challenging, it is possible for successful designers to earn substantial incomes. With salaries ranging from $42,001 to $58,101, those who excel in the field can significantly increase their earnings through experience, specialization, and a strong client base.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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