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The differences between associate designers and interior designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an associate designer, becoming an interior designer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an associate designer has an average salary of $56,770, which is higher than the $52,482 average annual salary of an interior designer.
The top three skills for an associate designer include sketch, CAD and customer service. The most important skills for an interior designer are revit, space planning, and sketch.
| Associate Designer | Interior Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $56,770 | $52,482 |
| Hourly rate | $27.29 | $25.23 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 47,571 | 48,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 38 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
An Associate Designer helps in developing sketches on paper and in graphic design software. They usually are supervised by the junior staff and interns.
An interior designer helps people decorate their rooms and spaces, creating the most functional and beautiful area as possible. They sit with clients to plan desired goals, visualize the space's functions, and sketch the design plan. Then, they pick and order materials and furnishings needed for the project. Additionally, they create a project timeline, estimate cost, and supervise the construction and installation. They follow-up with clients to guarantee their satisfaction once the project is completed. Interior designers should have an understanding of building and construction as well as public safety and security. They must be flexible in their time since they work to meet client needs.
Associate designers and interior designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Designer | Interior Designer | |
| Average salary | $56,770 | $52,482 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $80,000 | Between $35,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Apple | German International School New York |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Construction |
There are a few differences between an associate designer and an interior designer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Designer | Interior Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Interior Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between associate designers' and interior designers' demographics:
| Associate Designer | Interior Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.8% Female, 65.2% | Male, 21.0% Female, 79.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 1.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.6% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 23% |