Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for home designers in the United States
Are home designer jobs in demand?
Home designer job and salary trends over time
Home designer jobs over time
Home designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 527 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 503 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 515 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 485 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 476 | 0.00% |
Average home designer salary over time
Home designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $66,541 | $31.99 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $65,352 | $31.42 | +5.0% |
| 2023 | $62,238 | $29.92 | +3.6% |
| 2022 | $60,057 | $28.87 | +3.4% |
| 2021 | $58,086 | $27.93 | +2.0% |
Home designer jobs by state
Most common states for home designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 246 | 35% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,612 | 23% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 854 | 21% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,337 | 18% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,016 | 18% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,424 | 16% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 217 | 16% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 172 | 16% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 150 | 16% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 98 | 16% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,897 | 15% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,538 | 15% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,250 | 15% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 542 | 15% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 460 | 15% |
| 16 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 196 | 15% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 160 | 15% |
| 18 | New York | 19,849,399 | 2,750 | 14% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 283 | 14% |
| 20 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,289 | 13% |
Most common cities for home designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harrisonburg | 1 | 2% | $59,907 |
| 2 | Portland | 1 | 1% | $70,051 |
| 3 | Troy | 1 | 1% | $62,558 |
| 4 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $61,991 |
| 5 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $46,442 |
| 6 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $61,761 |
| 7 | Tampa | 1 | 0% | $46,539 |
Home Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of home designer experts
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Kansas State University
Florida International University
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Seattle University
Kansas State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Millikin University
Providence College
University of Utah
Syracuse University
Georgia Southern University
Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
SagreraBrazil Design, Inc.
What general advice would you give to a Home Designer?
Georges Fares: In the coming years, several skills will become increasingly important in interior design. First, sustainability and eco-friendly design will gain significant emphasis. Designers will need to be well-versed in sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and green certifications such as LEED and WELL. Knowledge of how to incorporate renewable resources and environmentally responsible practices into projects will be essential. Technology integration will also be highly valued. Proficiency in advanced design software, 3D modeling, and the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will become integral to the design process. These tools will enhance visualization, presentation, and client collaboration, allowing for more immersive and interactive experiences. An awareness of global design trends and cultural sensitivity will be increasingly important as the world becomes more interconnected. Designers will often work on international projects, requiring an understanding of diverse cultural aesthetics, traditions, and preferences. This global perspective will help create spaces that resonate with varied client bases. Adaptability will be crucial in responding to evolving client needs, technological advancements, and market trends. The ability to pivot and innovate in response to new challenges will distinguish successful designers. Moreover, collaboration with diverse teams, including architects, engineers, and contractors, will be essential for seamless project execution. Effective communication and teamwork will ensure that all aspects of a project align and integrate smoothly. Finally, understanding clients' emotional needs and how design can address these will become a key aspect of creating meaningful and impactful spaces. Interior designers will need to consider psychological and emotional factors, designing environments that promote well-being, productivity, and comfort. This client-centered approach will lead to more personalized and effective design solutions.
What Home Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Georges Fares: Maximizing salary potential in interior design involves a combination of strategic actions and ongoing professional development. To start, focusing on niche areas within interior design that are currently in high demand, such as sustainable design, healthcare design, or incorporating advanced technology, can significantly enhance your market value. These specialized skills set you apart from competitors and allow you to command higher fees for your expertise. Pursuing additional certifications and advanced degrees can further improve your qualifications and deepen your knowledge in these specialized areas. For example, obtaining LEED certification for sustainable design or a master's degree in healthcare design can make you more attractive to employers looking for specific skill sets. Networking is another critical component of maximizing salary potential. Establishing connections with industry professionals, mentors, and potential employers can lead to job opportunities with competitive salaries. Attending industry conferences, participating in professional organizations, and engaging in online communities are effective ways to build and maintain a robust professional network. A well-organized portfolio is essential in showcasing your best work, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to meet clients' needs, and including case studies that highlight improvements in functionality, sustainability, or user experience. Developing soft skills such as strong communication, negotiation, and leadership is also crucial, as they help articulate your design vision, secure better project terms and salaries, and position you for higher-compensation managerial roles. Overall, these strategies can help new graduates navigate the early stages of their careers and position themselves for financial and professional growth in the interior design field. By continuously improving your skills, expanding your network, and showcasing your work effectively, you can enhance your professional reputation and salary prospects.
What general advice would you give to a Home Designer?
Cameron John M.F.A.: Each day in design may offer something different - time is often balanced between multiple projects at different stages of development. Design projects, depending on scale, often take anywhere from 6 months to several years from beginning to end. Day to day tasks may include meeting with a client, meeting with other professionals like architects and engineers, developing plans and 3D models of the design, organizing and selecting materials, coordinating project details, making changes and revisions, meeting with product representatives, and much more.
What Home Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cameron John M.F.A.: Interior Architecture and Design offers an opportunity to help clients - real people - realize their vision. Whether it is a single-family home, a corporate office, or a hospital - the spaces designed are real. These spaces have tangible effect on the well-being, health, and happiness of others. The challenges of any field of design - architecture or otherwise - are that it is often a pursuit of passion. Design work often involves late nights and long hours to reach submittal deadlines and manage the complexities of any project. The volume of information you need to coordinate and manage requires a high level of organization and focus. Attention to detail is incredibly important. Design work is not as highly compensated as other professional pursuits for the amount of expertise and work that goes into realizing a project.
What will help Home Designers increase their earning potential?
Cameron John M.F.A.: People spend 90% of their time inside. Interior Architecture and Design is a growing profession as more and more people take interest in the design of their spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this impact as people were forced to occupy their spaces and physically recognize how their space impacts their health - both mentally and physically. Additionally, current economic pressures have made it more appealing for companies to renovate their current space rather than build an entirely new structure.
Vibhavari Jani
Associate ProfessorKansas State University
Interior Architecture and Industrial Design
What hard/technical skills are most important for Home Designers?
Vibhavari Jani: Ability to master various software: Revit, Rhyno, Sketchup, 3D rendering software (Enscape and Lunion), BIM.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Home Designer job market given the pandemic?
Katie Rothfield: The post-COVID-19 job market for interior architecture/design majors largely mirrors what we are seeing in each respective industry: while some trades, such as hospitality and cruise ship, are seeing a downturn or outright freeze in work, other sectors, such as law, were unaffected by the pandemic and are still operating and hiring at normal speed. Likewise, just as there is a great demand for healthcare workers, demand is also high for interior designers with strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of innovative sustainable design practices, building systems, technology, and psychology/theory who can address issues related to indoor air quality, viral transmission on surfaces, and social distancing.
In addition, corporations will need interior designers to study and respond to new remote and in-person work patterns and rethink the future design of the office, and with so many people spending countless hours at home, there is increased interest and demand in the residential design market.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Home Designers?
Erik Beehn: I think one skill or class that may be useful for artists leaving school is a business in the arts class, something that may help with more than just building a portfolio and can give some insight as to how to manage a studio practice, how to submit grants and proposals, I think that is often information that is left out of a fine arts degree.
What will help Home Designers increase their earning potential?
Erik Beehn: I think again the most important aspect coming out of art school is community, and on top of that knowing what the opportunities are within your field. As an artist coming out of school it's figuring out a sustainable practice, and finding ways to support that practice which can include art handling, working for a museum or gallery, assisting another artist, or a fabricator. I suggest students think about access when finding a job, so to work at a frame shop where you may have access to the woodshop on lunch or after work, or working at a printshop where you may get access to print your own work as finding access to equipment is often difficult right out of school.
Morten Bustrup
Adjunct Professor of DesignSeattle University
Department of Art, Art History & Design
What's a day at work look like for a Home Designer?
Morten Bustrup: Based on the above, they will be in a hybrid setting, at least in 2021. They will engage through a variety of digital collaboration tools and will most likely go through on-boarding virtually for their first job, at least in 2021. Some might enjoy more focused design time in a remote setting. They'll also spend more time in building relationships with their colleagues in a virtual environment. Sounds like Naomi might have some more info here based on recent graduates.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Home Designers?
Georges Fares: Building a good resume is a great way to advance and stand out in our domain. But that doesn't mean it's all you will need to progress in the business. If there is anything this field has taught me it's that the biggest impact on our job prospects would be making yourself stand out as a job applicant by developing your skills as much as possible. Yes, you can get licenses and certifications in almost anything now, and some certificates you can even get from the comfort of your bedroom, but growing and developing skills takes time and patience; it takes effort and a will that is not reflected in those certifications. Such skills could be focused on technology, computers, learning new software, enhancing drawing skills, developing design thinking, so on and so forth. One can recognize such skills by sitting down with the applicant and speaking to them or seeing them work, and not necessary through their resume.
What will help Home Designers increase their earning potential?
Georges Fares: Interior Design intersects with and is influenced by many other fields. It's hard to be specific about what can increase the earning potential of designers as different firms and departments have different requirements, but if there is anything I am sure of it's that if students were successful in connecting to different fields and working on a multi-disciplinary level, then they can be a great fit anywhere which will make them a desirable asset to anyone. Interior Design can connect to all disciplines, such as psychology, medicine, education, and so on. And by working combining various disciplines or fields in your work, you can show that you are passionate about Interior Design and can work on a level that will definitely increase the success of the firm, and ultimately raise your earning potential and allow you to carry more responsibility that can definitely create a rapid change and development on a personal and professional level.
Noel Lorson
Associate Professor - director of Graphic DesignMiddle Tennessee State University
Department of Art and Design
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Home Designer job market given the pandemic?
Noel Lorson: Creative agencies-in-house through big advertising firms, will hire on a short-term contract basis. The emails that I receive requesting recent graduates and alumni back this up. Companies are hesitant to hire full-time, which is understandable, but work is picking up and they need assistance.
Jessa Wilcoxen
Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Arts Technology & AdministrationMillikin University
Arts Technology & Administration Department
What will help Home Designers increase their earning potential?
Jessa Wilcoxen: One hard skill has always advanced the earning potential of designers is the ability to code at some level and to create interface designs. Employees that can design and code cannot only serve many needs themselves but they are also set up better to properly communicate with experts in those areas, lead innovation teams and more.
A soft skill to develop is an entrepreneurial mindset. Designers at their core are creative problem solvers. Graduates who can showcase design thinking and leadership skills will become critical members of entrepreneurship teams helping to create systems, products and services that solve real pain points for a group of people.
Portfolios have always been an essential tool in the job seeking process. Employers will still expect to see a high level of craft, creativity and technique but will also place value on samples that show a candidate's role on an interdisciplinary team. In a world that will continue to be impacted on many levels by the COVID 19 virus, there will be no shortage of problems to be solved. Designers should be a vital member of the teams working to solve those problems.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Home Designer job market given the pandemic?
Eric Sung: There are some expected trend changes, and some were already in place but expedited by COVID-19. In the near future, in general, it certainly will be more challenging to find ideal jobs for all. The job market is driven by the market itself and with having a great pause caused by the pandemic resulted hire freeze for months. Of course, this is a generalized and simplified statement with multiple exceptions but in general, this would be an accurate observation. Now that the job market is slowly settling, it will improve but that does not necessarily mean that there will be more jobs created to catch up time of 'pause'. For the meanwhile, about the same number of college students graduated in the May of 2020 compared to the previous years and about the equal number of students are graduating in 3 months. The new wave of job seeks out of college and the ones who were recently released from their previous employment are all in the job market that already is bottlenecked.
For the process of interview, there will be greater interest for remote interviews by both job seekers and companies. Due to its benefits related to cost and time efficiency for the company looking to hire and job seekers, it will be the new normal for the interview process. However, with recognized lacking elements of remote interviews in general, both for the algorithm-based services and video conference call with an hiring agent, the trend will be to hire generously first with 'probational period' to evaluate the ones' performance based on real-world tasks.
Another notable trend in the job market would be transition from hard asset-based hiring to experience or performance-based hiring. In the time of uncertainty, hiring someone solely based on certificate or diploma creates a greater risk for companies so job seeker with relevant experience with proven performance would be preferred.
In terms of the trend change for the kinds of jobs, it will take a long time for Job market in the tourism industry, transportation, restaurant, apparel, and beauty to come back to pre-COVID. But the job market for IT will continue to be strong certainly for awhile. Pandemic presented some profound challenges for us which obligated the market to address deeply foundational questions. What became clear from the recent experience is that the current job market model needs to change from the deeper level and the interdisciplinary as much as meaningful innovation are required for us to sustain. It will take at least a few years for this to be translated in the job market but it would be important for the potential future job seeks to know how the market will change in the coming years and how this change might be expedited caused by the pandemic.
Covid influenced the job seekers' interests as much as it did for job market. In the past, salary has been singularly the most dominating factor for job seekers for their search but now, more are interested in the quality of life, exposure to health risk, and possibility of alternative working method such as working remotely for the obvious reasons.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Home Designers?
Sonia Albert Sobrino: Understanding how collaborative endeavors take off and focusing on entrepreneurship is fundamental. Any course, certificate or training that helps young filmmakers and visual artists understand the process of creation from a collaborative standpoint is going to be most rewarding. We are at the height of independent creation, recent graduates have the tools and knowledge to make, they just have to use those instruments to identify needs and satisfy them. In film, specializing in cinematography, be that, earlier on, through lighting or camera work; or on editing and graphic design can help proficient artists start joint successful endeavors and/or increase their hiring potential. Furthermore, interdisciplinary opportunities that put together specialized forces from different, but relating fields, will quite likely better their job prospects. Working together, expanding and adding on individual strengths is the answer.
What will help Home Designers increase their earning potential?
Sonia Albert Sobrino: Institutionally, financial help to support new endeavors. At the individual level, a proactive drive is a must. Rather than waiting or stalling for opportunities, it is important to create new ones. While risky, both financially and emotionally, it is the time to take action, try things and seek a break where others haven't ventured yet. Failure is a scary, sometimes incapacitating threat that, more often that not, stops promising endeavors from taking off. It's never too late to try new things, but the sooner we attempt those, the better. A failed endeavor, if anything, speaks of a motivated, bold and driven individual and those qualities are some of the most important things needed in any job market.
What's a good job out of college for Home Designers?
Kristen DeWolf: We are encouraging students to keep their options open. Any position that will add soft and/or hard skills to your resume is a great job to consider after college. Showing the value they provide will only help them as they continue to build their careers.
Hope Wallace Simpara
Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Apparel DesignGeorgia Southern University
School of Human Ecology
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Home Designers in the next 5 years?
Hope Wallace Simpara: I think that there will be an increase in demand in this field. Projects will still need to be developed, but the type of product will aim to satisfy a different customer need. Walmart had reported an increase in the sales of women's blouses and tops online during the first two months of the pandemic because of the shift to "work at home" culture. Amazon also reported an increase in "indoor fashion" category sales even though apparel sales overall had dropped. Companies that offer soft goods such as Wayfair and Williams-Sonoma have reported an uptick in furniture and soft-good sales since the pandemic started.
Carmita Sanchez-Fong
Professor and ChairpersonFashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
Interior Design Department
How do you envision technology impacting Home Designers in the next 5 years?
Carmita Sanchez-Fong: Interior design is a lifestyle. Our industry's challenge is going to be humanizing technology, making it seamless, part of the story and the experience. From digital connectivity to greater adoption of automation, increased public health awareness, cashless behaviors, the proliferation of on-demand apps, facial and speech recognition, touchless technology, grab-and-do behaviors, memorable virtual experiences, immersive more personal environments, etc. all will affect our industry, in one way or another. Technology is the tool that is making the new ordinary possible.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Home Designers to find work opportunities?
Carmita Sanchez-Fong: Wherever there are people, there is a need for interior design innovation. Our students are all over the United States and abroad. Keep in mind that each state and city has a vastly different population size, infrastructure, income levels, behaviors, trends, and even level of sophistication. Do your research. Do not pick the place that pays you the most. Pick a location outside of your comfort zone that will challenge your skills and support your growth as a person and designer.
How do you envision technology impacting Home Designers in the next 5 years?
George Brazil: Technology is only going to make what we do a lot easier and more streamlined. The fact that we learned we can work remotely, still be efficient if we plan it properly, and still service our clients has made our job more efficient.
Of course there are all the fancy rendering software programs out there that help us convey our intent and tell a story to our client. Most design programs teach some of these programs, yet it is more important now that graduates have a strong knowledge of both 2D and 3D programs as well as rendering solutions.