Salary for Interior Designer

The salary for interior designer can vary depending upon the experience and education of the candidate and the job market in a particular area.

Sometimes the terms "interior designer" and "interior decorator" are used interchangeably. However, there are actually significant differences between the two. In most cases, just about anyone who is talented in decorating can do freelance work as an interior decorator if he or she can build up a client base. Interior decorators often gain work through recommendations by others. They may not have a degree and in fact may not have any formal education.

On the other hand, in order to gain employment with a design company, interior designers are typically required to have at least a bachelor's degree. The salary for interior designer can grow significantly with additional education and of course experience. While an interior decorator may work with a particular space to make it more aesthetically pleasing, an interior designer not only pays attention to appearance, but also to the engineering and functionality of a space, including at times safety issues. Interior designers typically know how to read blueprints, and they sometimes work with architects and builders to meet a client's needs and preferences.

The salaries for interior designers are often determined based upon not only their education and experience, but also on their specialization. While some interior designers work primarily with residential designs, others deal more with the commercial aspect of the field. Interior designers who work in conjunction with large architectural or engineering firms can often command much higher salaries simply because of the specialized work that is required. Certification can be gained in specialized areas such as kitchen and bath design. Membership is strongly encouraged, as well, in a related professional organization, such as the American Society of Interior Designers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics gives the following information regarding interior designers' salaries: "Median annual earnings for wage and salary interior designers were $42,260 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,830 and $57,230. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,760."

The largest number of employers of interior designers were comprised of the following: architectural engineering, architectural services, specialized design services, furniture stores, and building material and supply dealers. The approximate breakdown of the average salary based on years of experience is as follows:

• 0 to 2 years: $29,000-41,000
• 2 to 4 years: $35,000-47,000
• 4 to 6 years: $39,000-55,000
• 6-8 years: $46,000-68,000
• 8 years and up: 53,000-81,000

While education is certainly important, experience can yield huge benefits in regards to the amount of salary and work that is available. Although most interior designers who have a degree initially begin their careers within an established company, many eventually venture out on their own. In order to do so, however, they need to establish an extensive portfolio and build up their own clientele. The average salary for independent interior designers is around $50,000, although some interior designers' salaries can actually reach into the six-figure range.

Earnings can sometimes increase with the addition of a national license through the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications, also referred to as the NCIDQ. Some states make this certification mandatory, while others treat it as optional.

Finally, the job outlook for interior designers predicts that the demand for this occupation will continue to grow, but so will the competition. The state of the economy may have a direct bearing upon the ability to find positions in this profession as well.

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