Interior Designers

O*NET 27-1025.00 · SOC 27-1025

Interior Designer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $67k a year with +2.7% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 7,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+2.7%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$67k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
8k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Develop design concepts for interior spaces
  • →Create floor plans and 3D renderings
  • →Select furniture materials and finishes
  • →Manage project budgets and vendor relationships
  • →Present design proposals to clients

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Interior Designer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as an Interior Designer? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Creative, studios, agencies, or remote

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Interior Designer involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningDevelop design concepts for interior spaces
MiddayCreate floor plans and 3D renderings
AfternoonSelect furniture materials and finishes

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Artistic (Creators)5.6
Realistic (Doers)4.1
Conventional (Organizers)3.8
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.7
Investigative (Thinkers)3.1
Social (Helpers)2.7

Who Thrives as Interior Designer?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISFPThe ComposerENTPThe InnovatorINTJThe StrategistENFPThe Campaigner

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Interior Designer Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

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Explore More Careers

Best Business Careers →Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Best Creative Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Interior Designers is projected to grow 2.7% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

24/100Low risk, AI-resistant
  • ·43% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does an Interior Designer make?

The median Interior Designer earns $67k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Interior Designer jobs?

Our model puts Interior Designer at 24 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 43% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is Interior Designer a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 2.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 7,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be an Interior Designer?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Interior Designer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become an Interior Designer?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is an Interior Designer career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

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