Interior decorator vs commercial interior designer

The differences between interior decorators and commercial interior designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an interior decorator and a commercial interior designer. Additionally, a commercial interior designer has an average salary of $51,844, which is higher than the $47,169 average annual salary of an interior decorator.

The top three skills for an interior decorator include customer service, in-home and space planning. The most important skills for a commercial interior designer are revit, sketch, and space planning.

Interior decorator vs commercial interior designer overview

	Interior Decorator	Commercial Interior Designer
Yearly salary	$47,169	$51,844
Hourly rate	$22.68	$24.93
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	11,194	74,082
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

Interior decorator vs commercial interior designer salary

Interior decorators and commercial interior designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Interior Decorator	Commercial Interior Designer
Average salary	$47,169	$51,844
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $68,000	Between $35,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	North Dakota
Best paying company	-	Florida Power & Light
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between interior decorator and commercial interior designer education

There are a few differences between an interior decorator and a commercial interior designer in terms of educational background:

	Interior Decorator	Commercial Interior Designer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Interior Design	Interior Design
Most common college	Cornell University	Cornell University

Interior decorator vs commercial interior designer demographics

Here are the differences between interior decorators' and commercial interior designers' demographics:

	Interior Decorator	Commercial Interior Designer
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9%	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%
Race ratio	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%	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	23%	23%

Differences between interior decorator and commercial interior designer duties and responsibilities

Interior decorator example responsibilities.

Manage Pinterest, Facebook, and Houzz profiles by responding to questions and updating photos.
Conduct in-home design and custom window treatment consultations and sales.
Demonstrate skillful communication and negotiation skills.
Design, modele and render graphically intensive exteriors and interior environments and animations utilizing the latest in visualization technology.
Design, modele and render graphically intensive exteriors and interior environments and animations utilizing the latest in visualization technology.

Commercial interior designer example responsibilities.

Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
Perform production functions: drafting, documentation and 3-D Revit renderings.
Implement the use of social media and play a vital role in the transition from AutoCad to Revit.
Design, modele and render graphically intensive exteriors and interior environments and animations utilizing the latest in visualization technology.
Demonstrate knowledge of product by creating PowerPoint presentations for clients introducing product lines such as furniture and lighting.
Design and develop project-based graphics including logos, illustrations, diagrams, and content-supporting imagery as needed.

Interior decorator vs commercial interior designer skills

Common interior decorator skills

Customer Service, 23%
In-Home, 11%
Space Planning, 8%
Custom Furniture, 8%
Trade Shows, 5%
Design Projects, 4%

Common commercial interior designer skills

Revit, 22%
Sketch, 11%
Space Planning, 8%
Design Concepts, 6%
Auto CAD, 6%
Design Development, 5%

Interior Decorator vs. similar jobs

Interior Decorator related careers

Interior Decorator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
Interior Decorator
Interior Decorator vs Commercial Interior Designer

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs