Median Salary: $56,698 (ZipRecruiter), $52,220 (Salary.com)
A junior interior designer or architect must collaborate with senior design team members on project goals, assisting with design concepts and interfacing with the clients to ensure needs are being met in a timely fashion. Professionals at this level are entrusted with placing orders for fundamental elements of the space such as furniture and other aesthetic specifications; maintaining documentation regarding budget, client purchases, and marketing efforts; and ensuring best practices for the project. This is a highly collaborative team-player role that requires exceptional attention to detail and interpersonal skills; a bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field; and proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD. Previous experience may be preferred, or this may be an entry-level position at certain firms.
The salary for a junior interior designer position is firmly in the $50,000 range. IIDA reported the median salary at $51,600 in 2021 with little range between the 25th percentile at $47,000 and the 75th percentile at $56,300. Similarly, Salary.com found the range of this position between $41,400 and $57,260 in 2024, and the range according to ZipRecruiter is $45,500 to $65,000, with the bulk of jobs being in the low to mid $50,000s.
Interior Decorator
Salary: $69,250 (ZipRecruiter), $56,345 (Salary.com)
An interior decorator works with a client to define an aesthetic for a completed space. After advising the client on space planning, layout, color coordination, finish, and fixture options, the interior decorator must collaborate with contractors and vendors to select the furniture, materials, and other interior products to satisfy the design requirements of the client. Transparent communication between the client and decorator is of utmost importance; therefore, keen communication and interpersonal and organizational skills are required, as is attention to detail. While a bachelor’s degree is preferred, it’s not required; proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop may be necessary.
The salary fluctuates widely for a design professional in this role depending on experience and education, according to sources. For example, as reported to ZipRecruiter, interior decorators in 2024 have the potential to earn from $34,000 to $87,500 per year, with an average salary of $69,250; however, it should be noted that almost half of interior decorator jobs (48%) are in the $29,000 to $39,000 pay range. But Salary.com found the salary range for decorators to be tighter, from $50,768 to $69,160. The earning potential for an interior decorator can be great, though, because once a client finds a decorator who gets their style and aesthetic, they’re likely to stick with them for all their decorating needs, as well as recommend them to others.
Technical Designer
Job Titles: Technical Designer, CAD Drafter
Average Salary: $80,265 (ZipRecruiter)
In this highly specialized role, a CAD drafter or technical designer must exhibit expert use of AutoCAD software to create high-quality design drawings for building construction and project creation while including building codes and specifications for design. Precision and extreme attention to detail are crucial, as are creativity, organizational skills, and the ability to work quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines under pressure. Fine interpersonal, communication, and listening skills are necessary to take direction from engineers and executives during the research and sketching process.
This role earns between $65,000 (25th percentile) and $90,000 (75th percentile) on a national level, with $80,265 as the average, according to ZipRecruiter. However, the IIDA survey reports a much lower salary range of $45,800 to $74,100, with $55,400 as the median. As always, education, experience, and skill inform earning potential. Besides expertise in the necessary software, CAD drafters/technical designers should have at least an associate’s degree or some vocational training, though a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field would likely be more attractive to hiring firms. To obtain some technical designer positions or in order to advance a career in this field, a master’s degree is sometimes required.
