Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for interior decorators in the United States
Are interior decorator jobs in demand?
Interior decorator job and salary trends over time
Interior decorator jobs over time
Interior decorator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,033 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 987 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,011 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 952 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 935 | 0.00% |
Average interior decorator salary over time
Interior decorator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $47,169 | $22.68 | +1.8% |
| 2025 | $46,326 | $22.27 | +5.0% |
| 2024 | $44,118 | $21.21 | +3.6% |
| 2023 | $42,573 | $20.47 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $41,176 | $19.80 | +2.0% |
Interior decorator jobs by state
Most common states for interior decorators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 93 | 7% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 63 | 7% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 47 | 7% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 75 | 6% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 35 | 6% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 33 | 6% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 320 | 5% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 184 | 5% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 58 | 5% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,389 | 4% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 374 | 4% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 313 | 4% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 281 | 4% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 233 | 4% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 217 | 4% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 166 | 4% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 102 | 4% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 65 | 4% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 31 | 4% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 28 | 4% |
Interior Decorator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of interior decorator experts
Kansas State University
University of North Texas
Florida International University
Michigan State University
Boston Architectural College
Kansas State University
Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
University of Minnesota
SagreraBrazil Design, Inc.
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Maryville University
Stephen F. Austin State University
What Interior Decorator 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.
Vibhavari Jani
Associate ProfessorKansas State University
Interior Architecture and Industrial Design
What skills will help Interior Decorators earn the most?
Vibhavari Jani: Ability to communicate effectively, work with others in a team environment, work independently without constant hand-holding, and ability to use hand sketching and software.
What skills stand out on Interior Decorator resumes?
Vibhavari Jani: Communication (written and visual), design-forward thinking, experience with 3D rendering software (Enscape and Lunion), and technical skills (software applications like Revit, Rhyno, Sketchup) stand out the most.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Interior Decorators?
Vibhavari Jani: Ability to master various software: Revit, Rhyno, Sketchup, 3D rendering software (Enscape and Lunion), BIM.
Bill Morgan
Coordinator, Undergraduate Program — Interior Design, Lecturer, Interior DesignUniversity of North Texas
Department of Design
What skills stand out on Interior Decorator resumes?
Bill Morgan: -Vision
-Teamwork
-Communication
What hard/technical skills are most important for Interior Decorators?
Bill Morgan: -Drawing Proficiency (drawing of all types, includes 3D visualization)
-Technical Proficiency (detailing)
-Project Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Interior Decorator 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 skills stand out on Interior Decorator resumes?
Katie Rothfield: Now, more than ever, it is important for interior architecture/design graduates to diversify their skill sets and credentials:
Internship experience will always set a candidate apart from the crowd. Given the pandemic's negative impact on the number of full-time interior design positions, a recent graduate could secure paid internship opportunities while looking for full-time employment. This would help boost their resume and could get their foot in the door at a company that may hire full-time positions as the vaccine becomes more widely available.
Most companies expect recent interior architecture/design graduates to be proficient in a variety of computer programs, such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Alumni can stay current and add software programs to their resumes by watching online tutorials and improving their projects for their portfolios.
Professional exams demonstrate leadership and help candidates rise to the top of the resume stack. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL accreditation demonstrate knowledge of sustainable design practices and a commitment to designing interiors that positively affect human health and wellbeing. In addition, passing the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX - the first section of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Exam) confirms acquisition of interior design knowledge that is essential to the profession. Interior architecture/design majors can take all three of these exams prior to graduation.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Interior Decorators to find work opportunities?
Katie Rothfield: Due to population density, cities always have greater opportunities for interior design graduates. Some of the top interior design firms in the United States are located in New York City, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Washington D.C.. Being a service profession, demand for interior design ebbs and flows with the economy. Therefore, for increased employment security, job seekers should look for design companies with a diverse portfolio of clients, as they are better equipped to weather economic hardships that may more have a more drastic effect on one client's industry over another.
Jon Burley Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorMichigan State University
School of Planning, Design and Construction
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Interior Decorator job market given the pandemic?
Jon Burley Ph.D.: The profession has changed forever. Work is done remotely, with less travel and few in-person meetings. There is less of a need for large studio complexes. The internet and digital communications are now vital. This is a huge challenge for those who are extroverted, driven by human interaction and a challenge for those who are linear thinkers. It is too easy for some to be invisible and delay working diligently. Those who are self-driven will be rewarded.
Barbara Anderson
Professor and HeadKansas State University
Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Interior Decorators?
Barbara Anderson: Design students graduating after experiencing the pandemic as a student will have a greater awareness of the health impacts of design because they will have a greater sensibility to the design challenges presented by airborne diseases. I believe they are also learning about working remotely and taking the initiative for their success even though they do not have the usual social prompts to influence their behavior.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Interior Decorators to find work opportunities?
Barbara Anderson: Our graduates gain employment across the United States with ease. I believe some use-type sectors will see a slight decline in demand, including hospitality and retail design. However, there will be plenty of professional opportunities to reimagine the post-pandemic use of existing facilities.
How do you envision technology impacting Interior Decorators in the next 5 years?
Barbara Anderson: The integration of technology in buildings and the use of technology to design and communication design to clients and users will continue to accelerate in the next five years. I expect the technology integrated into buildings to focus on communications, health and well-being, and Net Zero and water efficiency with the goal of resilience/sustainability.
Elizabeth Von Lehe
Allied ASID, Director-at-Large, ASID National Board of Directors and Design & Brand Strategy Principal, HDRASID
What Interior Decorator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elizabeth Von Lehe: The concept of a gap year can be a little misleading - the clock on a resume never takes a pause. I would recommend that graduates think of their experience on a continuum - taking time between graduation and school to build skills through service. Whether it's graphic design support or building with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, honing interpersonal skills as well as basic design skills during a "gap" will turn the time into both more tangible skills, as well as a stronger resume and story when the job hunt begins.
Carmita Sanchez-Fong
Professor and ChairpersonFashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
Interior Design Department
How do you envision technology impacting Interior Decorators 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 Interior Decorators 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.
What Interior Decorator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tasoulla Hadjiyanni Ph.D.: Centering themselves - when "Cancel Culture" and the fear of making a mistake are over-powering decision-making processes, graduates need to be able to examine their reactions to tension and be more aware of their values priorities. With such awareness, they can move toward "Consider Culture," forming impactful coalitions, mediating conflict, and being open to dialogues. With a stronger sense of self, they can embrace humility and a willingness to unlearn exclusionary practices-both on personal and collective levels. They can do that through mindfulness practice, reading the stories of people they know little about, and engaging with difference.
How do you envision technology impacting Interior Decorators 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.
What general advice would you give to an Interior Decorator?
Bill Darcy: This year has thrown curveballs at us like never before, and the job market is just one of the areas that has been upended," said Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO. "One thing the pandemic has proven is that our homes are multitasking more than ever - like home office, home school, gym, spa - and our kitchens are getting quite a workout, as the family's central hub and gathering space. People are anxious to remodel, so they may customize their spaces to accommodate these new needs. This is one sector where business is robust, and many of our NKBA designer and remodeler members can't keep up with the volume of work. So, entering the workforce in a design or remodeling capacity holds a great deal of promise. Work and jobs are plentiful - and our research shows that design, construction and remodeling activity is likely to continue well into next year and beyond. Of course, no one can predict the course the pandemic might take or other factors might affect the economy, but I would suggest that this is an excellent time to explore internships and apprenticeships in the skilled trades, because these professional pathways, as well as kitchen, bath and interior design, are likely to yield solid opportunities for the foreseeable future.
Michael Keller
Assistant Professor of Interior DesignMaryville University
Design and Visual Arts Department
How do you envision technology impacting Interior Decorators in the next 5 years?
Michael Keller: Remote working will change the type of project and the interior spaces, at least in the short term. There will be new design problems/opportunities because of the remote work trend. As for technology used in the profession, virtual reality/gaming software seems to be becoming a more effective way to design and communicate design and impact designers. I imagine user metrics (lighting, power, water use, asset tagging, etc.) will continue developing to aid designers in optimizing interior space and systems.
Nathaniel Walker
Assistant ProfessorStephen F. Austin State University
Human Sciences Department
How do you envision technology impacting Interior Decorators in the next 5 years?
Nathaniel Walker: Technology has, and will continue to play, a major role in the field of interior design. Over the past few decades, the industry has advanced from manual drafting to 2D computer-aided drafting to 3D modeling (Building Information Modeling and 3D printing). The emergence of virtual reality technologies (augmented and virtual) will take the industry to another level, allowing interior designers the ability to better communicate their ideas via virtual experiences with clients.