Interior Designer

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings.

Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. The median annual salary is $63,380, with growth projected at 4%, about average.

What Does a Interior Designer Do?

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Plan and design interior spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing
• Create floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings using CAD software
• Select materials, finishes, and furnishings that meet code requirements
• Coordinate with architects, contractors, and building officials
• Manage projects from concept through construction and installation

Interior Designer Salary and Job Outlook

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 data.

Salaries range from $38,028 at the entry level to $95,070 for experienced professionals. Location, specialization, certifications, and employer type all affect where you fall in that range.

Training and Education

Typical entry education: Bachelor’s degree

Programs in this field commonly cover:

• Space planning and building codes
• AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit for interior design
• Materials, finishes, and sustainable design
• Lighting design and acoustics
• Professional practice and project management

Skills Employers Look For

• CAD software proficiency (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp)
• Building code and ADA compliance knowledge
• Space planning and technical drawing
• Material and finish specification
• Client communication and project management

Work Settings and Daily Routine

Interior designers work in design firms, architecture offices, and as independent practitioners. The work combines creative design with technical knowledge of building codes, structural requirements, and accessibility standards. Client meetings, site visits, and computer-based design work fill the typical schedule.

Licensing and Certification

Many states require interior designer licensing or registration. The NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam is the most widely recognized credential. Most states require a combination of education and supervised work experience to qualify for the exam.

How to Get Started

1. Meet the education requirement. Most interior designer roles require bachelor’s degree.
2. Compare training programs. Look at program length, hands-on hours, cost, and whether graduates are prepared for any required certifications or licensing exams.
3. Verify local requirements. Licensing and certification rules vary by state and employer. Confirm what your target employers or state board expects before enrolling.
4. Build experience. Apprenticeships, internships, or entry-level positions help you develop practical skills and professional connections.

Use the school listings on this page to explore programs and request details directly from providers.

Related Design Careers

• Certified Interior Designer – Licensed interior design with NCIDQ certification
• Interior Decorator – Styling and furnishing spaces without structural changes
• Graphic Designer – Visual design for digital and print media
• UX/UI Designer – Digital product and interface design
• Event Coordinator – Planning and designing event spaces and logistics

Browse all Design, Creative & Media Careers.

Find Interior Design Training Programs

Ready to start training? Browse accredited interior design programs by location.

Find Interior Design Schools & Programs →

Compare programs near you. Program availability, tuition, schedules, and requirements vary by school and state. Contact programs directly to confirm details.

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.