As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Interior Designer in the United States is $70,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Senior Interior Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior Interior Designer'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 a Senior Interior Designer'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Interior Designer | 0-2 years | $53,843 |
| Intermediate Interior Designer | 2-4 years | $60,872 |
| Senior Interior Designer | 4-7 years | $70,108 |
| Specialist Interior Designer | 7+ years | $80,931 |
| Expert/Principal Interior Designer | 7-10 years | $93,759 |
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 Senior Interior Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 5.75% |
| Photoshop | 2.05% |
| Programming | 1.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$75,816 |
8%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$75,114 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$75,114 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$74,412 |
6%
|
|
Authenticity
|
$74,412 |
6%
|
|
PowerPoint
|
$74,412 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior Interior Designers 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 a Senior Interior Designer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,764 and $70,361).
Senior Interior Designer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 1.6% |
| Associates | 8.1% |
| Bachelors | 78.3% |
| Masters | 12.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Senior Interior Designer'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 January 01, 2026For a Senior Interior Designer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Specialist Interior Designer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $81,000 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for a Senior Interior Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,155 in 2023 to around $82,095 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Senior Interior Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $82,155 |
| 2024 | $82,580 |
| 2025 | $82,095 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Interior designers typically do not make six figures early in their careers. For a Senior Interior Designer, the salary ranges from $57,300 to $81,300, with a mid-salary of $69,300. While experienced designers can earn higher, reaching six figures usually requires significant experience and specialization.
Principal Designer or Owner is the highest-ranking role in interior design. They lead the firm, set creative direction, and make executive decisions. This position typically commands a salary ranging from $57,300 to $81,300, with a midpoint of $69,300. They cultivate client relationships, manage the firm's portfolio, and drive overall business success.
Interior designers in the U.S. number over 43,756, with 79% being women and 21% men. The average age of an interior designer is 42 years. For those in senior positions, salaries range from $57,300 to $81,300, with a median salary of $69,300, reflecting the experience and expertise required in this field.
After reaching the Senior Designer role, the next step typically is a Lead Designer or Design Director position. These roles involve more leadership and decision-making responsibilities, guiding the creative vision for projects, and often managing a team of designers. Salaries for Senior Interior Designers range from $57,300 to $81,300, with a midpoint of $69,300.
On average, a Senior Interior Designer can expect to earn between $57,300 and $81,300 annually, with a mid-salary of $69,300. While reaching $100,000 is possible for top designers with extensive experience and a strong portfolio, it is not the typical salary range for most in the field.
The position above the Mid-Level designer is the Senior Designer, typically requiring 5-8 years of experience. In terms of compensation, Senior Interior Designers can expect a salary range from $57,300 to $81,300, with a median salary of $69,300, reflecting their expertise and experience in the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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