As of July 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Interior Designer I | 0-2 years | $53,829 |
| Intermediate Interior Designer | 2-4 years | $60,839 |
| Senior Interior Designer | 4-7 years | $70,070 |
| Specialist Interior Designer | 7+ years | $80,846 |
| Expert/Principal Interior Designer | 7-10 years | $93,656 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 5.76% |
| Space Planning | 2.04% |
| Business Model | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Communication Skills
|
$59,830 |
11%
|
|
Architectural Design
|
$57,135 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$56,596 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$56,057 |
4%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$55,518 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$55,518 |
3%
|
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 $58,257. While startup companies pay approximate $49,240.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $49,240 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $52,087 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $56,253 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $58,257 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $59,291 | $29.0 | 10% |
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
| 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% |
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 July 01, 2026For 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.
Salaries for an Architecture Interior Designer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,204 in 2023 to around $53,466 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Architecture Interior Designer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,204 |
| 2024 | $54,038 |
| 2025 | $53,466 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Architecture Interior Designer I roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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