CAD Drafter
Turn engineers’ and architects’ designs into detailed technical drawings.
- $66,150
- 1–2 years
Arts, Media & Design career
Interior Designer
Also called: Interior Design Consultant · Commercial Interior Designer · Residential Designer · Space Planner
What interior designers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an interior designer do?
Interior designers plan and design interior spaces for homes, offices, hospitals, hotels and stores, selecting layouts, materials, furniture and finishes. The median pay is $67,190 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +2.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$67,190$32.31/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year7,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs97,100Employment, 2025
What interior designers do
Interior designers shape how spaces work and feel. They meet clients, plan layouts, create drawings and 3D renderings, select finishes, lighting and furniture, follow building codes and accessibility rules, and coordinate with architects and contractors. Specialties include residential, healthcare, hospitality and corporate design.
Most interior designers have a bachelor’s degree. The NCIDQ certification is the industry’s main credential, and some states regulate who can call themselves interior designers or practice commercial design.
Typical duties
- Meet clients to define needs and budgets
- Plan space layouts
- Create drawings and 3D renderings
- Select finishes, furniture and lighting
- Follow codes and accessibility rules
- Coordinate with architects and contractors
- Manage installation
Work environment and schedule
Designers work in studios and offices and visit client sites, showrooms and construction projects.
Schedule: Most work full-time with occasional evening client meetings.
A day in the life
- Meet a client about an office redesign.
- Measure the space and photograph conditions.
- Draft a floor plan in AutoCAD.
- Build a 3D rendering in SketchUp.
See a full day in the life of an interior designer →
Interior Designer salary
Half of interior designers earned more than $67,190 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $41,420 for the lowest 10% to $114,140 for the top 10%.
Full interior designer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an interior designer
- Earn a design degree
- Build software skills
- Work under a designer
- Earn NCIDQ
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in interior design is typical. Many designers pursue the NCIDQ certification after work experience.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an interior designer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Space planning
- AutoCAD and Revit
- 3D rendering
- Building codes and ADA
- Materials and finishes
People skills
- Creativity
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
All interior designer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative and practical work
- Visible results
- Variety of projects
- Run your own firm
Cons
- Client demands and budget limits
- Deadlines
- Slow growth in some markets
- Requires technical knowledge of codes
Certifications and licenses
- NCIDQ Certification: The main interior design credential from CIDQ.
- LEED Green Associate: Sustainable design credential.
- Revit certification: BIM software credential.
- State registration or license: Required in some states.
Career path
- Junior Designer: Support projects.
- Interior Designer: Lead projects.
- Senior Designer: Lead major projects.
- Principal or Firm Owner: Lead a firm.
Learn the job before day one
Our Interior Designer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as create a space plan and build a finish schedule, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
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Compare: Interior Designer vs. CAD Drafter · Interior Designer vs. Visual Merchandiser · Interior Designer vs. Graphic Designer · Interior Designer vs. Construction Manager
Interior Designer FAQ
What’s the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?
Designers plan spaces and follow codes; decorators focus on furnishings and style.
Do interior designers need a license?
Some states regulate the profession.
What is NCIDQ?
The main interior design certification.
How much does an interior designer make?
The median annual wage for interior designers was $67,190 ($32.31 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $41,420 and the highest 10% earned more than $114,140.
How long does it take to become an interior designer?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in interior design is typical. Many designers pursue the NCIDQ certification after work experience.
Do you need a degree to be an interior designer?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and NCIDQ certification requires education plus experience. Some decorating roles require less training.
More interior designer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-1025 (Interior designers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Interior designers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.