Residential vs commercial split. Boutique principals can clear $250K+.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Interior Designers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $49,900 | $36,700 | $67,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $62,100 | $45,600 | $84,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $71,400 | $52,500 | $96,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $85,600 | $63,000 | $116,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $97,100 | $71,400 | $131,500 |
Top 10 states by median Interior Designer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $100,000 | $76,000 | $130,000 | +40% |
| California | $96,400 | $73,300 | $125,400 | +35% |
| New York | $94,300 | $71,700 | $122,600 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $92,900 | $70,600 | $120,700 | +30% |
| Washington | $92,900 | $70,600 | $120,700 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $90,000 | $68,400 | $117,000 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $86,400 | $65,700 | $112,400 | +21% |
| Maryland | $85,700 | $65,200 | $111,500 | +20% |
| Colorado | $83,600 | $63,500 | $108,700 | +17% |
| Florida | $82,200 | $62,400 | $106,800 | +15% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $60,700 | $46,200 | $78,900 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $60,000 | $45,600 | $78,000 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $60,000 | $45,600 | $78,000 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $60,000 | $45,600 | $78,000 | -16% |
| Alabama | $59,300 | $45,100 | $77,100 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $59,300 | $45,100 | $77,100 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $57,200 | $43,400 | $74,300 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $57,200 | $43,400 | $74,300 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $55,700 | $42,400 | $72,400 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $55,700 | $42,400 | $72,400 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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