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The differences between interior designers and interior design assistants 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 designer and an interior design assistant. Additionally, an interior designer has an average salary of $52,482, which is higher than the $47,621 average annual salary of an interior design assistant.
The top three skills for an interior designer include revit, space planning and sketch. The most important skills for an interior design assistant are space planning, in-home, and revit.
| Interior Designer | Interior Design Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $52,482 | $47,621 |
| Hourly rate | $25.23 | $22.89 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 48,020 | 46,701 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 assistants are professionals who are responsible for providing direct administrative support while assisting interior designers with various tasks. These assistants are required to run errands and contact clients through phones to obtain important information. They are required to visit stores or shop online to obtain a multitude of materials when working on a project. They must assist interior designers in moving furniture and taking photographs of spaces while measuring rooms and items. Interior design assistants must also manage important projects and ensure they are completed on time.
Interior designers and interior design assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Interior Designer | Interior Design Assistant | |
| Average salary | $52,482 | $47,621 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $78,000 | Between $34,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | - |
| Best paying company | German International School New York | - |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between an interior designer and an interior design assistant in terms of educational background:
| Interior Designer | Interior Design Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Interior Design | Interior Design |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between interior designers' and interior design assistants' demographics:
| Interior Designer | Interior Design Assistant | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 21.0% Female, 79.0% | Male, 17.9% Female, 82.1% |
| 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% |