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The differences between interior design consultants and 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 design consultant and an interior designer. Additionally, an interior design consultant has an average salary of $61,447, which is higher than the $52,482 average annual salary of an interior designer.
The top three skills for an interior design consultant include customer service, real estate and window coverings. The most important skills for an interior designer are revit, space planning, and sketch.
| Interior Design Consultant | Interior Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $61,447 | $52,482 |
| Hourly rate | $29.54 | $25.23 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 48,894 | 48,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An interior design consultant is responsible for designing the interior space of a client's property according to their specifications and budget requirements. Interior design consultants draft their initial layouts, including the cost forecasting and resources for the operations, to determine the client's approval or revise plans as necessary. They also review the current commercial trends to provide recommendations for their clients. An interior design consultant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as expertise in utilizing software tools and applications for digital designs.
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.
Interior design consultants and interior designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Interior Design Consultant | Interior Designer | |
| Average salary | $61,447 | $52,482 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $88,000 | Between $35,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Roseville, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | RH | German International School New York |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between an interior design consultant and an interior designer in terms of educational background:
| Interior Design Consultant | Interior Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Interior Design | Interior Design |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between interior design consultants' and interior designers' demographics:
| Interior Design Consultant | Interior Designer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 19.1% Female, 80.9% | Male, 21.0% Female, 79.0% |
| 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% |