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Job outlook for kitchen designers in the United States
Kitchen designer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected kitchen designer job growth rate is 1% from 2018-2028.
About 800 new jobs for kitchen designers are projected over the next decade.
Kitchen designer salaries have increased 15% for kitchen designers in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,052 kitchen designers currently employed in the United States.
There are 56,831 active kitchen designer job openings in the US.
The average kitchen designer salary is $55,942.
Are kitchen designer jobs in demand?
Kitchen designer job and salary trends over time
Kitchen designer jobs over time
Kitchen designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,052 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,824 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,945 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,653 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,571 | 0.00% |
Average kitchen designer salary over time
Kitchen designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $55,942 | $26.89 | +1.8% |
| 2025 | $54,942 | $26.41 | +5.0% |
| 2024 | $52,324 | $25.16 | +3.6% |
| 2023 | $50,491 | $24.27 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $48,834 | $23.48 | +2.0% |
Kitchen designer jobs by state
Most common states for kitchen designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 213 | 31% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,016 | 15% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 178 | 13% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 906 | 12% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 502 | 12% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 949 | 11% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 328 | 11% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 116 | 11% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,059 | 10% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 584 | 10% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 567 | 10% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,479 | 9% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,109 | 9% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 556 | 9% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 493 | 9% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 315 | 9% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 122 | 9% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 89 | 9% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 59 | 9% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 130 | 8% |
Most common cities for kitchen designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairfax | 1 | 4% | $50,938 |
| 2 | Beverly Hills | 1 | 3% | $63,002 |
| 3 | Culver City | 1 | 3% | $62,849 |
| 4 | Eastchester | 1 | 3% | $66,253 |
| 5 | Levittown | 1 | 2% | $66,215 |
| 6 | Duluth | 1 | 1% | $55,661 |
| 7 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $41,341 |
| 8 | Framingham | 1 | 1% | $60,312 |
| 9 | Lakeland | 1 | 1% | $41,995 |
| 10 | Anaheim | 1 | 0% | $62,302 |
| 11 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $51,732 |
| 12 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $52,119 |
| 13 | Glendale | 1 | 0% | $54,966 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $62,882 |
Kitchen Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of kitchen designer experts
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of North Texas
Florida International University
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Boston Architectural College
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kansas State University
Arianne Bellizaire Interiors
Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
SagreraBrazil Design, Inc.
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Stephen F. Austin State University
North Dakota State University
What general advice would you give to a Kitchen Designer?
Georges Fares: In the coming years, several skills will become increasingly important in interior design. First, sustainability and eco-friendly design will gain significant emphasis. Designers will need to be well-versed in sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and green certifications such as LEED and WELL. Knowledge of how to incorporate renewable resources and environmentally responsible practices into projects will be essential. Technology integration will also be highly valued. Proficiency in advanced design software, 3D modeling, and the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will become integral to the design process. These tools will enhance visualization, presentation, and client collaboration, allowing for more immersive and interactive experiences. An awareness of global design trends and cultural sensitivity will be increasingly important as the world becomes more interconnected. Designers will often work on international projects, requiring an understanding of diverse cultural aesthetics, traditions, and preferences. This global perspective will help create spaces that resonate with varied client bases. Adaptability will be crucial in responding to evolving client needs, technological advancements, and market trends. The ability to pivot and innovate in response to new challenges will distinguish successful designers. Moreover, collaboration with diverse teams, including architects, engineers, and contractors, will be essential for seamless project execution. Effective communication and teamwork will ensure that all aspects of a project align and integrate smoothly. Finally, understanding clients' emotional needs and how design can address these will become a key aspect of creating meaningful and impactful spaces. Interior designers will need to consider psychological and emotional factors, designing environments that promote well-being, productivity, and comfort. This client-centered approach will lead to more personalized and effective design solutions.
What will help Kitchen Designers increase their earning potential?
Georges Fares: Starting a career in interior design can be both exciting and challenging. My advice is to stay curious and keep learning because the field of interior design is ever-evolving. Staying updated with the latest trends, materials, and technologies is crucial. Networking actively is also essential. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with peers and mentors, as these connections can open doors to opportunities and collaborations. Seek diverse experiences by gaining exposure to different types of projects and environments, whether residential, commercial, or hospitality. This will make you a more versatile designer. Lastly, stay resilient. The design field can be competitive and demanding, but by continuously honing your skills and maintaining a positive attitude, you can navigate through challenges successfully.
What general advice would you give to a Kitchen Designer?
Cameron John M.F.A.: Each day in design may offer something different - time is often balanced between multiple projects at different stages of development. Design projects, depending on scale, often take anywhere from 6 months to several years from beginning to end. Day to day tasks may include meeting with a client, meeting with other professionals like architects and engineers, developing plans and 3D models of the design, organizing and selecting materials, coordinating project details, making changes and revisions, meeting with product representatives, and much more.
What Kitchen Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cameron John M.F.A.: Interior Architecture and Design offers an opportunity to help clients - real people - realize their vision. Whether it is a single-family home, a corporate office, or a hospital - the spaces designed are real. These spaces have tangible effect on the well-being, health, and happiness of others. The challenges of any field of design - architecture or otherwise - are that it is often a pursuit of passion. Design work often involves late nights and long hours to reach submittal deadlines and manage the complexities of any project. The volume of information you need to coordinate and manage requires a high level of organization and focus. Attention to detail is incredibly important. Design work is not as highly compensated as other professional pursuits for the amount of expertise and work that goes into realizing a project.
What will help Kitchen Designers increase their earning potential?
Cameron John M.F.A.: People spend 90% of their time inside. Interior Architecture and Design is a growing profession as more and more people take interest in the design of their spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this impact as people were forced to occupy their spaces and physically recognize how their space impacts their health - both mentally and physically. Additionally, current economic pressures have made it more appealing for companies to renovate their current space rather than build an entirely new structure.
Bill Morgan
Coordinator, Undergraduate Program — Interior Design, Lecturer, Interior DesignUniversity of North Texas
Department of Design
What hard/technical skills are most important for Kitchen Designers?
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 Kitchen Designer 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 Kitchen Designer 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.
Emily McLaughlin
Interior Design Technology Program Director and Associate Clinical ProfessorIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
School of Engineering and Technology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Kitchen Designer job market given the pandemic?
Emily McLaughlin: Based on recent information which I have seen released from professional organizations in my discipline, I believe that we can expect more employers seeking students who retain science-based knowledge relative to the design of our built environments. Those who know how to research proven solutions for increased productivity, health, safety, or wellness in spaces such as offices, hotels, hospitals, and schools will be in high demand.
In addition, those with advanced technology skills who can use software to communicate design ideas both in person as well as virtually will be important, and graduates who are trained to understand a global market as it relates to business commerce will be in a position to help companies navigate a new norm. I also believe that the market will likely see a new focus on residential home design as our workforce has shifted and now requires ergonomic solutions and dedicated work spaces in the places that we live due to an increase in agile employment situations. In summation, those who have experience in evidence-based practice will be in high demand as employers seek to hire degree holders who retain fresh and creative ideas for solving new problems.
What skills stand out on Kitchen Designer resumes?
Emily McLaughlin: Those students who have participated in internships or coops to gain a practical understanding of the modern problems our professionals are facing with regards to health and wellness in the built environment will be in high demand. In addition, the passing of examinations which prove competency in these areas, such as becoming WELL AP or LEED AP certifiied, will set those individuals apart from others who have not mastered such topics. Multidiciplinary knowledge which showcases an understanding of the overlaps that exist between the fields of Engineering, Architecture, Construction, and Interior Design are important, and of course strong communication skills both in oral and written communication are useful to showcase as well.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Kitchen Designers to find work opportunities?
Denise Rush: With a remote workforce, we are not limited by geography. Recent graduates should research the market sector of their interest to see where growth is (The Value of interior design professional organization Membership):
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Asid
Interior Design Billings Index (IDBI) - August 2020
State of the Industry report
International Interior Design Association (IIDA) website Iida
For those students who are not members should review the issues Trade Journals:
-Interior and Sources magazine Interiorsandsources
-Interior Design Magazine (top 100 giants annual ranking: Interiordesign
-Metropolis Magazine Metropolismag
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Kitchen Designer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen Ph.D.: COVID-19 accelerated the widespread use of e-commerce, and omnichannel retailing has never been more vital. Consumers are doing their research before purchasing a product, or even going into a brick-and-mortar store, making technology even more important in our word. People entering the job market know how to utilize different technologies to allow company operations to be more transparent and efficient. Job candidates must be comfortable with data analytics and forecasting future challenges. During times of industry disruption, job candidates with a broad knowledge of the industry, including product development and design, supply chain and sourcing, merchandising, and textile science will be more desirable.
What skills stand out on Kitchen Designer resumes?
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen Ph.D.: The retail industry is robust and requires many skills. Content and industry-related knowledge are essential, including comfort with computer applications like Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Excel. Beyond knowledge of the industry, job candidates need excellent communication skills in written and oral forms. It's also highly recommended that job candidates have work experience in their area of interest, which could include an internship, job shadow, or part-time position.
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 Kitchen Designers?
Barbara Anderson: Graduating design professionals will have personal experiences with how places influence health, specifically transmitting infectious diseases. This will change their awareness and understanding of the role of environments in human health. The less obvious impact is the personal awareness we are all gaining the psychological effects of stress and how well-designed spaces can support mental health and well-being.
What experience really stands out on Kitchen Designer resumes?
Arianne Bellizaire: When I look at the resume of a potential employee, I'm looking for relevant work experience, time spent with a particular company or in a particular position, and any transferable skills that would be an asset to our team.
Elizabeth Von Lehe
Allied ASID, Director-at-Large, ASID National Board of Directors and Design & Brand Strategy Principal, HDRASID
What experience really stands out on Kitchen Designer resumes?
Elizabeth Von Lehe: In design, resumes are a support document that is secondary to the portfolio or work samples - which show skills and aesthetic points of view. If the caliber of the work is a fit, the resume can then tell a story about the individual - understanding their path and their view of the world. When reviewing a resume, I'm looking briefly at work history and timeline, but then quickly looking for grit. If a resume shows someone not only working but also serving within a nonprofit - or working a job to put themselves through school - that tells me more about the kind of person and designer than any prestigious position could.
Carmita Sanchez-Fong
Professor and ChairpersonFashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
Interior Design Department
How do you envision technology impacting Kitchen Designers 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.
How do you envision technology impacting Kitchen Designers 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 type of skills will young Kitchen Designers need?
George Brazil: It really depends on the type of design that you want to practice. Universally, I would say strong visual communication skills are a must. Having a strong knowledge of 2D, 3D, and rendering software will take you far when applying for your first job. Hand-in-hand with this knowledge, would be a strong understanding of how things are built, how furniture in made, and the why behind the how. I feel this might be where a lot of institutions let their students down, and it is up to the student to supplement what they learn academically with what they take on themselves, either through their own self-education or through internships. The more you understand the how and the why, the more of an asset you will be to an employer.
What general advice would you give to a Kitchen Designer?
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.
Nathaniel Walker
Assistant ProfessorStephen F. Austin State University
Human Sciences Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Kitchen Designers?
Nathaniel Walker: The COVID-19 pandemic will have a short- and long-term effect on 2020 interior design graduates. In the short-term, the impact will affect their senior year educational experiences, in and out of the classroom (face-to-face and virtual). For some students, COVID has been overwhelming as they attempt to adjust to new societal and educational norms. The pandemic will influence whether a college or university decides to hold face-to-face or virtual graduation ceremonies in December 2020 and May 2021. In the long-term, as graduates begin to reflect on their educational experience during this outbreak, their encounter might not be as memorable.
How do you envision technology impacting Kitchen Designers in the next 5 years?
Linda Manikowske Ph.D.: Technology has moved the apparel industry forward at a fast pace in recent years - from computer-aided design to retail analytics. Social media platforms are providing consumer data that retail companies can use to predict trends and be more efficient in getting the right product to consumers more efficiently.
Artificial intelligence is able to more accurately predict shopper behavior while virtual reality technology allows shoppers to try a garment on an avatar before purchasing. A key to a firm's survival will be the ability to adapt to this new landscape. In the future, fashion and technology will continue to intersect to the betterment of both industries.