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Interior Design Schools & Programs
Interior designers earn a median salary of $63,380 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), planning functional and visually compelling spaces for homes, offices, and commercial environments. Interior design programs prepare students to create residential and commercial interiors – covering space planning, materials selection, building codes, and client management so graduates can work in design firms, architecture offices, or start their own practice. With about 8,000 annual job openings and steady 4% projected growth, trained designers remain in demand.
Interior Design Salary Snapshot
U.S.7,800 openings/yr
What Is an Interior Design Program?
Interior design programs teach students to create indoor environments that are safe, functional, and aesthetically appealing. Coursework covers the full design process from client consultation and concept development through space planning, material selection, and project management. Students learn to work within building codes and ADA accessibility standards while developing their creative vision through studio projects that build a professional portfolio. Programs may focus on residential design, commercial interiors, or both, giving graduates the breadth to pursue diverse career paths in the field.
What You’ll Learn
- Space planning, floor plans, and furniture layout
- Color theory, lighting design, and material/textile selection
- CAD software (AutoCAD) and 3D rendering tools (SketchUp, Revit, 3ds Max)
- Building codes, fire safety regulations, and ADA accessibility requirements
- Residential design: kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and custom millwork
- Commercial design: offices, restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, and retail spaces
- Design history and architectural styles
- Sustainable and green design principles (LEED concepts)
- Client presentations, project budgeting, and specification writing
- Professional practice, contracts, and business management
How Long Does Training Take?
Certificate programs in interior design or interior decorating take 6 to 12 months and focus on foundational design skills, with tuition typically ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. Associate degree programs take two years and provide a broader education including drafting and CAD training, generally costing $8,000 to $30,000 total. Bachelor’s degree programs take four years and are required for professional licensure in most states that regulate interior design, with costs varying widely by institution. CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) accredited programs are the standard for students pursuing licensure. Actual tuition varies significantly depending on the school, location, and whether you attend a public or private institution.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required for all program levels
- A portfolio or examples of creative work may be required for competitive bachelor’s programs
- Basic math skills for space measurement, budgeting, and scale drawings
- Access to a computer capable of running CAD and design software (many schools provide lab access)
- Some programs require prerequisite courses in art, drawing, or design fundamentals
- Studio courses may charge additional materials fees for models and presentation boards
Licensing & Certification
Interior design licensing and title protection vary by state. Approximately 30 states and jurisdictions regulate interior design practice in some way. The most common path to licensure involves completing a CIDA-accredited program, gaining supervised work experience (typically two years), and passing the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam. The NCIDQ exam is a three-part test covering fundamentals, professional practice, and a practicum. Some states use title acts (restricting who can call themselves an “interior designer”) while others use practice acts (restricting who can perform certain design work). The NCIDQ credential is widely regarded as the professional standard and is accepted across state lines in many cases.
Career Outlook & Salary
Interior designers earn a median annual salary of $63,380, with the top 10% earning over $95,070 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Entry-level designers typically start around $38,030, while experienced professionals and those with NCIDQ certification can earn $76,060 or more. The BLS projects about 4% employment growth for interior designers from 2022 to 2032, which is about average for all occupations. Approximately 8,000 openings are expected each year. Designers specializing in commercial interiors, healthcare facility design, or sustainable building tend to command higher salaries. Geographic location significantly affects pay, with designers in major metropolitan areas and states with strong construction activity earning above the national median.
Where You’ll Work
Interior designers work in a variety of settings. Many are employed by specialized design firms, architecture and engineering companies, or furniture and home furnishing stores. Others work for corporate clients designing office spaces, or in hospitality designing hotel and restaurant interiors. Healthcare facility design is a growing niche. A significant number of interior designers are self-employed, running their own residential or commercial design practices. Real estate staging, sustainable design consulting, and set design for film and television are additional career paths.
Online vs In-Person Options
Interior design programs are available in both online and in-person formats. Online programs can effectively teach design theory, history, building codes, and even CAD software through virtual coursework. However, in-person programs offer hands-on studio experience, access to materials libraries, and direct mentorship that many students find valuable. Some programs use a hybrid model with online lectures and periodic on-campus studio intensives. For students pursuing NCIDQ licensure, ensure that any online program is CIDA-accredited. When evaluating programs, look for those that include portfolio reviews, client-simulation projects, and access to industry-standard software.
Browse by Location
- View all locations: Interior Design by state
Interior Design Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $57,290 | $99,900 |
| Arizona | $63,950 | $91,890 |
| Arkansas | $63,670 | $130,720 |
| California | $77,360 | $131,870 |
| Colorado | $72,740 | $127,230 |
| Connecticut | $59,490 | $93,200 |
| Delaware | $55,230 | $91,530 |
| District of Columbia | $79,060 | $139,150 |
| Florida | $60,200 | $98,390 |
| Georgia | $61,810 | $117,840 |
| Hawaii | $60,600 | $101,500 |
| Idaho | $59,580 | $84,640 |
| Illinois | $66,300 | $105,960 |
| Indiana | $60,590 | $89,040 |
| Iowa | $57,790 | $116,400 |
| Kansas | $54,400 | $88,990 |
| Kentucky | $50,220 | $85,880 |
| Louisiana | $57,150 | $86,570 |
| Maine | $54,720 | $82,240 |
| Maryland | $70,810 | $111,890 |
| Massachusetts | $77,190 | $119,740 |
| Michigan | $62,760 | $99,680 |
| Minnesota | $67,070 | $99,830 |
| Mississippi | $44,120 | $112,020 |
| Missouri | $58,830 | $98,890 |
| Montana | $53,230 | $80,330 |
| Nebraska | $58,300 | $86,920 |
| Nevada | $68,620 | $99,580 |
| New Hampshire | $60,650 | $92,410 |
| New Jersey | $67,290 | $109,660 |
| New Mexico | $50,400 | $56,430 |
| New York | $73,630 | $109,980 |
| North Carolina | $53,180 | $86,540 |
| North Dakota | $56,640 | $81,570 |
| Ohio | $58,720 | $95,880 |
| Oklahoma | $52,240 | $80,940 |
| Oregon | $64,250 | $122,460 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,680 | $98,130 |
| Rhode Island | $61,080 | $95,410 |
| South Carolina | $59,450 | $95,770 |
| South Dakota | $62,140 | $98,300 |
| Tennessee | $58,730 | $89,460 |
| Texas | $61,620 | $102,630 |
| Utah | $60,170 | $85,660 |
| Vermont | $62,130 | $129,760 |
| Virginia | $66,450 | $104,930 |
| Washington | $79,490 | $119,550 |
| West Virginia | $45,090 | $83,760 |
| Wisconsin | $61,360 | $108,340 |
| Wyoming | $75,120 | $105,160 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Interior design training can lead to careers in residential remodeling, commercial space planning, hospitality design, healthcare facility layout, and sustainable building consulting. Understanding daily responsibilities, licensing requirements, and advancement opportunities is key to planning your path in this field.
Career Guide: Interior Designer →
FAQs
What is the difference between interior design and interior decorating?
Interior designers plan and modify interior spaces with attention to building codes, structural requirements, ADA compliance, and safety – work that requires formal education and often licensure. Interior decorators focus on surface-level aesthetics like furniture selection, paint colors, and accessories, and do not need a license. If you want to reconfigure layouts, specify materials, or work on commercial projects, you need interior design training.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to work in interior design?
It depends on your state and career goals. States with practice acts or title acts typically require a degree from a CIDA-accredited program plus passing the NCIDQ exam. In states without regulation, you may be able to work with a certificate or associate degree, though career advancement and higher-paying positions generally favor candidates with a bachelor’s degree and NCIDQ certification.
What CAD software should I learn?
AutoCAD is the industry standard for drafting floor plans and construction documents. SketchUp is widely used for quick 3D modeling and client presentations. Revit is important for designers who work with architects on commercial projects using Building Information Modeling (BIM). Many programs also teach rendering software like 3ds Max or Lumion for photorealistic visualizations.
How long does it take to get NCIDQ certified?
The full path to NCIDQ certification typically takes six to eight years from the start of your education. This includes completing a CIDA-accredited bachelor’s degree (four years), gaining two years of supervised professional experience, and passing the three-section NCIDQ exam. Some candidates with associate degrees or non-accredited programs may qualify through alternative experience pathways, but the bachelor’s degree route is the most straightforward. The exam itself can be completed in stages over multiple testing windows.
What is the job outlook for interior designers in commercial vs residential work?
Both sectors offer opportunities, but commercial interior design tends to provide more stable employment and higher average salaries. Corporate office redesigns, healthcare facilities, hospitality projects, and retail buildouts create steady demand for designers with commercial expertise. Residential designers may have more variable income, especially if self-employed, but high-end residential work can be very lucrative. Many designers work across both sectors depending on available projects.
Can interior designers work remotely?
Portions of interior design work, including CAD drafting, sourcing materials, creating presentations, and managing project documentation, can be done remotely. However, site visits, client walkthroughs, measuring spaces, and overseeing installations require in-person presence. Many designers operate with a hybrid schedule, spending part of their time in the office or on-site and part working from a home studio. Fully remote interior design work is more feasible for e-design or virtual consultation services focused on residential clients.
Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.
Browse Interior Design Schools by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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