The highest-paying interior design jobs are for the most creative and entrepreneurial. Interior design as a career path has the power to transform spaces completely. Interior design or interior architecture as a career is a competitive and exciting one and is consistently in the top half of the rankings.
It includes creating aesthetically pleasing environments that are also functional. It combines various talents such as creativity, teamwork, people skills, organizational and communication skills, a keen knowledge of psychology and human behavior, and even science to a great extent.
While there are different avenues to learn and work in interior design, we have consolidated a short list of cities you can learn and work in and the highest-paying jobs that can build a lucrative future for you.
Scope in Interior Design
Many factors affect the salary an interior designer draws, to begin with, the type of degree the designer holds can play a big role. While it’s not mandatory in all states to hold a degree in design, if you are applying to a government design role, this can affect the overall package offered to you. Similarly, certain designers who concentrate on a niche field such as sustainable or restorative interior design tend to draw a different salary than the average designer.
There are a number of fields that branch out from the interior design job market. These include the different types of roles the interior designer himself can adorn, from residential to commercial, corporate, hospitality, institutional, and even religious space designers.
There are also other supplementary roles in an interior design office such as a draftsman to draw layouts and blueprints, 3D modeler, project manager, bookkeeper and accountant, public and media relationship manager, human resources, etc. All these skill sets come together to bring us aesthetically pleasing as well as efficient habitats that leave the user happy and content.
Interior designers have an entirely different role compared to interior decorators, a term commonly used in the United States. The term decorator mainly revolves around styling any personal or commercial space with accessories and fabrics in the most beautiful way possible. On the other hand, interior designers look after the functional design of spaces qualitatively and quantitatively.
Some major tasks designated for interior designers are:
- Taking projects, and understanding the technicalities
- Arranging the layout of spaces with optimal positioning of windows, doors, light points, and acoustics.
- Certain factors included in designing any space are inspection of sites, management of construction, and arriving at estimates. The field is emerging and constantly evolving.
Read also – How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?
Skills Required in Interior Designers
Some basic skills required for interior designers to ace their profession are:
- Creative vision
- Ability to check minute details
- Strong communication skills
- Staying updated with recent trends
- Basic understanding of color combinations
- Sound knowledge of spatial balance
- Management of time
- Precise budgeting
| Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager at Precondo says, “To start, one should prioritize NETWORKING. Building solid connections within the industry opens doors to opportunities you wouldn’t believe. Attend events, join online communities, and don’t shy away from reaching out to established professionals. My success in real estate is not only about what I know but also about the people I know. It’s a small world, and a recommendation from a well-connected peer can kick-start your career in ways you can’t imagine.” |
Due to their expertise and ability to develop and let spaces breathe through their work, interior designers are in high demand. The skills mentioned above are necessary for people who choose this career.
Read also – How To Become An Interior Designer?
Best Countries for Interior Design Careers
It is imperative to seek thorough training at a design school or art college before considering interior design as a career. Many countries provide degree programs for interior design. These countries have also developed various training programs to maximize aspirants’ knowledge in this field.
Some of the highest-paying countries for interior designers are:
- USA
- Spain
- Japan
- England
- Turkey
- China
Japan is another innovative country that promotes interior design courses among its students. With advanced technology and better value for education, Japan makes for an attractive destination for an interior design degree.
Read also – How To Find 3D Rendering Jobs Online for Freelancers?
Best Cities for Interior Design Jobs
The ever-changing world has given rise to computer-aided design patterns. Some cities that host spectacular designs are New York, London, Paris, Copenhagen, and Milan. The big-bowl creativity one can find in these cities has enhanced their beauty factor and developed deeper sources of inspiration for students.
A recent study of the leading cities for jobs related to interior design found that Washington DC topped the charts. This is because this city offers some excellent design courses. Apart from that, Seattle is also quite well-positioned.
Other top cities with the best jobs for interior design are:
Miami: The coastal metropolis of Miami is the eighth-most populous city in the US. The city has stunning architecture and planning. As a result, this city is a perfect place for design services.
Boston: The highly populated city of Boston is a perfect blend of modern and contemporary styles. The city’s interiors are every designer’s inspiration and benchmark for quality. The city also offers lucrative jobs to interior designers.
Orlando: Orlando is a city of parks and monuments; thus, the jobs in interior design are plenty. Many interior designers dream of working in Orlando because of the lucrative options available in its job market.
San Francisco: The cultural and commercial center of the US, San Francisco has an interior designing industry rich with jobs. Plus, the aesthetically pleasing interiors of its private and public spaces are every designer’s dream and serve as great inspiration.
St. Louis: Florida, the southernmost US state, is well-known for its job market for designers, with a 314% increase in earnings among interior design graduates alone.
11 Highest Paying Interior Design Jobs
Interior designers make different salaries based on their education, experience, client base, and the industry type they cater to. Here are the highest-paying jobs in interior design.
1. Government Interior Designers
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Let’s start with a government interior designer. Interior designers who are hired by the federal executive branch of the U.S. government fall under this branch. Having years of experience is a major bonus in applying for such jobs.
These are the professionals who are responsible for designing the interiors of various government-owned-and-operated buildings such as courtrooms, assembly halls, cultural buildings, city halls, etc., and also public areas within these buildings, such as lobbies, libraries, gardens, and cafeterias, etc.
2. Corporate Interior Designers
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Corporate designers are those who are employed by private companies or large design firms. The main workforce is spent on designing different types of chic, contemporary, professional workspaces for clients of all sizes. From small 25-person offices to large company headquarters, the design is drawn out with strict adherence to the client’s specific needs.
While designing an office various factors like the number of locations, employees, building codes, fire safety, etc., are at the forefront of design goals. Offices are often also crafted with the socio-cultural beliefs of the firm and its values as guidelines.
3. Healthcare Interior Designers
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Healthcare design professionals are those who specialize in improving spaces such as hospitals, clinics, etc. These designers not only follow strictly the building codes and insurance laws but also ensure ergonomics, psychology, and science are made use of to provide a peak sterilized, healing environment for the patients and doctors. Good circulation, optimum ventilation, HVAC, and state-of-the-art lighting and equipment are a few of the areas they focus on.
4. Residential Interior Designers
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Residential designers are probably the most common type of interior design field. This is probably because as a residential interior designer, you have the maximum flexibility in terms of design and creativity. However, this also means there is a downside to it. Unlike in commercial interior design where the client oversees the big picture, here it is often seen that clients can get nit-picky and interfere in every stage of design and execution which can hamper the flow and the timeline of the projects.
| Mandi Young, Owner and Designer of Juniper Gardens says, “If you are focused on working residential interior design, like I am, you’ll want to find opportunities to get to genuinely know them and how you can solve their problems with design. Get to know your audience early and learn how to speak to how you can address their concerns through quality design. Even before you have anything to offer them!” |
The work scope is also often more since each fixture, each room, each piece of furniture, and carpet has to be picked individually, depending on how you like to see it, you may either be exhausted or enjoy the detailed process. After all, god lies in details, and so does beauty! Residential interior design is a full-time job that also involves the maximum amount of client meetings, discussions, approvals, and communication, as every stage needs to be passed by the client individually.
If the design project you are working on, is being built from the ground up, chances are there will be some outdoor living spaces to be designed as well. You can also in collaboration with the architect, integrate and tweak the architectural features in this case.
5. Commercial Interior Designers
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While this is sometimes teamed up with a corporate interior design, commercial designers dedicate their practice to more public spaces, malls, retail outlets, entertainment centers, shops, banks, etc., more than office environments.
While the usual building codes and laws are followed here too, the focus is more on a space that sparks brand identity and consumer satisfaction. They have expertise in how customers interact with spaces to promote higher footfalls, increased sales, and positive feedback.
The interior design in such scenarios, helps the brand sell a product or service to the client through their experience of the space. They help a brand connect and influence its target clientele. Wayfinding, branding, signage, and display design are a few of the tools in their kit. Commercial interior designers are also hired by established marketing and branding firms and larger retailers directly.
Read also – Commercial Interior Design Ideas
6. Hospitality Interior Designers
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Interior design in the hospitality field primarily around hotels, restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars, lounges, country clubs, spas, and fitness clubs. Since this business is service-driven the design is often luxurious, amenities top-notch, and the budget deep. These projects are often specific style-driven and cater to the business requirement.
For instance, a luxurious oriental spa chain will follow elevated Asian heritage features and experience in all of its branches. Similarly in a restaurant, the interior designer must provide a well-equipped industrial kitchen, a seating area that is charming yet handles the crowd well, and materials that are stylish yet hold up to constant usage.
Maximizing employee productivity and gaining revenue through customer support and guest satisfaction are the goals of hospitality interior designers. An experienced designer will strike the chord of balance between high-end luxury and optimum functionality that will gain the chain loyal patrons while keeping the investors and owners happy.
7. Sustainable Interior Designers
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Sustainable interior designers provide design strategies that have adopted environmentally responsible interior solutions. The most significant criteria in the choice of such practices are low footprint and environmental impact, low maintenance, as well as cost-efficiency comfort durability, flexibility, and safety.
These designers rely on choosing eco-friendly building materials and sustainable design ideas in interior spaces that are non-toxic. It is worth mentioning that for maximum sustainable efficiency, involving a designer from the inception right up till the construction of a project makes good sense.
For instance, installing solar panels decreases the usage of conventional power throughout the day. Couple this with proper insulation and suitable local materials for construction, and the result is high energy conservation. Sustainability interior designers can even point out how to improve the air and water quality to boost the energy efficiency of the building. Common materials like floors are being replaced by eco-friendly materials like cork, bamboo sheets, etc.
Read also – Sustainable and Holistic Interior Design
8. Wallpaper Designers
Homeowners increasingly seek customizable wall coverings that offer both aesthetic appeal and practicality, making wallpapers a favored choice. Interior designers are leveraging this trend by creating wallpapers that blend intricate patterns and vibrant colors, providing a versatile solution that can be easily replaced or updated without significant cost. These designers showcase their creativity through a plethora of designs, ranging from exotic motifs to mesmerizing visual effects, aiming to transform living spaces into visually stunning environments.
Designers can collaborate with wallpaper brands, offering their unique creations for production and distribution. Alternatively, they may opt to work on a retainer, providing exclusive designs tailored to specific client needs. Some designers also choose to market their wallpapers independently through personal websites, showcasing a diverse portfolio of customizable options.
9. Fabric Designers
Your expertise in fabrics and linens plays a crucial role in designing various elements such as window screens, shades, comforters, rugs, and more. You meticulously select materials based on functionality, aesthetics, and the overall design scheme of the space. You can collaborate with manufacturers or artisans to bring their designs to life, ensuring that each piece meets both your creative vision and the practical needs of your clients.
Ultimately, your specialization in fabrics and linens helps you create cohesive, stylish, and functional interiors. Whether you collaborate with established brands or launch your own, your designs reflect a deep understanding of materials, craftsmanship, and the art of enhancing living spaces through thoughtful textile selections.
10. Interior Stylists
This role offers an exciting opportunity for those who thrive under tight deadlines and enjoy frequent travel for work. You’ll have the chance to work on unique projects and with a diverse clientele, ensuring no two days are the same.
As an interior designer for magazine and photoshoot settings, you will be responsible for designing temporary interiors and captivating backgrounds. This includes crafting visually stunning environments that enhance the subject of each shoot. You will need to be creative and resourceful, using inexpensive products to create high-impact aesthetics without exceeding budget constraints.
Your work will involve selecting and arranging furniture, props, and décor that align with the shoot’s theme and vision. You’ll collaborate closely with photographers, stylists, and other creatives to ensure the space not only looks beautiful but also functions well for the shoot.
11. Visual merchandiser
In retail stores, the attractive display of products plays a crucial role in driving sales, a task perfectly suited for the expertise of interior designers. Utilize your knowledge of color theory, spatial arrangements, and design principles to create compelling product displays. Focus on how to draw customers’ attention, guide their journey through the store, and create an engaging shopping experience.
Begin by partnering with well-known brands that have extensive retail chains. Reach out to local stores or large retail corporations and offer your services. Brands often seek creative minds to enhance their store aesthetics and improve customer engagement. Consider starting on a part-time basis. Many retail stores are open to hiring part-time visual merchandisers, allowing you to gain experience.
Start a Successful Interior Design Business With Foyr Neo
If you have the right business tools, each stage of the interior design process will be easier and more efficient. Foyr Neo is a one-stop shop for all your design needs. The multifaceted design software has so many features to choose from that it makes it easier to visualize your design ideas more effectively.
- 60K + ready-to-use products
- Build Floor Plans, edit in 3D
- Drag and Drop Interface
- 4K Renders in minutes
Furthermore, it doesn’t take up a whole lot of space due to its incredible cloud computing feature. It saves time and money on licensing. Anyone can create absolutely remarkable home designs with these design tools. Foyr Neo is now available for a 14-day free trial, allowing you to explore the potential of infinite creation.
FAQs
When choosing a country, consider the program’s reputation, curriculum, cost of living, language proficiency, available scholarships, and potential for internships or job opportunities after graduation.
Salary variations are influenced by factors such as the country’s economy, the cost of living, the designer’s experience, and the specific sector of interior design they work in. High-cost countries generally offer higher salaries.
The high cost of living and high taxes can impact your disposable income. It’s important to consider these factors when evaluating job offers in different countries, as they can affect your overall job satisfaction.
Experience is a significant factor in earning potential. Interior designers with a proven track record and a strong portfolio are more likely to secure high-paying positions, especially in senior or managerial roles.
Yes, cultural and design trends can significantly impact the demand and salaries for interior designers. For example, countries with a growing interest in sustainable design or luxury interiors may see increased demand and higher salaries in those areas. Staying updated on industry trends is crucial for career success.
