As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Interior Designer I in the United States is $53,843 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, an Interior Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer I | 0-2 years | $53,843 |
| Interior Designer II | 2-4 years | $60,872 |
| Interior Designer III | 4-7 years | $70,108 |
| Interior Designer IV | 7+ years | $80,931 |
| Interior Designer V | 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 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
|
$59,766 |
11%
|
|
Architectural Design
|
$57,074 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$56,535 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$55,997 |
4%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$55,458 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$55,458 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 Interior Designer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $47,685 and $53,093).
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 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 January 01, 2026For an Interior Designer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Interior Designer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $60,872 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Interior Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Interior Designer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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An Interior Designer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Interior Designer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Interior Designer I is $67,912.
The highest pay for Interior Designer I is $62,841.
The lowest pay for Interior Designer I is $41,960.
Develops plans and designs for the interior of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings based on the needs of the client. Creates functional and aesthetic designs that help boost productivity, increase sales, attract customers, or enhance a living space. Responsible for planning the use and layout of the space and decorating with color, furniture, fixtures, etc. Develops drawings, presentations, and cost estimates and coordinates the work of contractors. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.
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.)
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