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The differences between interior designers and architectural designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an interior designer, becoming an architectural designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an architectural designer has an average salary of $59,122, which is higher than the $52,482 average annual salary of an interior designer.
The top three skills for an interior designer include revit, space planning and sketch. The most important skills for an architectural designer are sketch, sketchup, and BIM.
| Interior Designer | Architectural Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,482 | $59,122 |
| Hourly rate | $25.23 | $28.42 |
| Growth rate | 1% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 48,020 | 54,358 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
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.
An Architectural Designer is specialized in planning and designing structures/urban landscapes. They ensure that company policies and standards are maintained when providing services to clients.
Interior designers and architectural designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Interior Designer | Architectural Designer | |
| Average salary | $52,482 | $59,122 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $78,000 | Between $45,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Vermont |
| Best paying company | German International School New York | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Professional |
There are a few differences between an interior designer and an architectural designer in terms of educational background:
| Interior Designer | Architectural Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Interior Design | Architecture |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between interior designers' and architectural designers' demographics:
| Interior Designer | Architectural Designer | |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 21.0% Female, 79.0% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 23% | 6% |