How to become interior designerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$67,190
25th–75th pct. $51,840–$85,740
Top pay (est.)
$148,400
Top 10% $114,140
Pay in 5 years
$75,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$85,600est.
$73,600–$99,400
Outlook score
52/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
66%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.7%
7,700 openings / yr
How to become interior designers
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Interior Designers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Thinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationGetting InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Important abilities
Near VisionOriginalityVisualizationOral ExpressionFluency of IdeasOral Comprehension
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as interior designers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.