FAQ
Interior Designer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an interior designer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an interior designer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about interior designers
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.
Is interior designer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.7% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 7,700 openings each year. Upsides include creative and practical work; a common challenge is that client demands and budget limits.
What skills does an interior designer need?
Key technical skills include space planning, autocad and revit, 3d rendering, and building codes and ada. Employers also value creativity, communication, and problem solving.
What certifications are available for interior designers?
Common credentials include NCIDQ Certification, LEED Green Associate, Revit certification, and State registration or license. Some states regulate interior designers through titling or licensing laws, especially for commercial work. Requirements vary.
Still deciding?
Try the Interior Designer fit quiz, compare with CAD Drafter, or explore Interior Designer training.
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.