How Much Can You Actually Make as an Interior Designer?

Let's talk about money. Not in a scary way, in a real way. And if the cost of getting started has ever felt like a barrier, I heard you. The Degree-less Design Crash Course is now $199.99, lowered based on your feedback, because I want it accessible to everyone. But first, let's get into it.

Every niche, every firm, and every city creates a different financial picture. Before diving in, make sure you've taken the free Interior Design Personality Quiz on the site. There's no point chasing a salary in a niche that makes you miserable. Profitability only feels good when you're in the right place.

Working for a firm

Most people start here, and that's completely fine. The first stage is an internship or apprenticeship, and I'll be honest, I don't believe in paid internships. At this stage, especially without a degree, what you're receiving is a real-time education. That is the compensation. Some firms do pay interns, but come in with realistic expectations.

From there, junior designer roles in the US typically range from $25,000 to $65,000, and yes, that variance is real. Location, experience, and the value you can prove all play a role. The intermediate level sits between $55,000 and $85,000, and senior designers, depending on the firm, location, and complexity of work, can earn anywhere from $85,000 to $185,000.

Running your own firm: Where it gets interesting

I made $300,000 on one commercial interior design job. And people still say there's no money in interior design. There is.

It wasn't just one fee. The design itself was priced out carefully using my Project Pricing Estimator, available in tools on the site, breaking down each area of the project so nothing was undercharged. On top of that, project management, renderings, and site visits beyond a set number were all billed separately. And then there was purchasing.

We handled procurement for flooring, tiles, wallpaper, decor, and FF&E, marking up anywhere from 8% to 20% depending on the project and product. Most designers don't realize this is standard business, and leave that money on the table every single time.

Add it all up across a large commercial project, and that's how you get to $300,000. It's not magic. It's systems, clear contracts, and knowing every revenue stream available to you.

The Degree-less Design Crash Course is where you build that foundation, so when the right project comes, you're ready.

XO

Shira