Interior designer

What does an interior designer do?

• Meet clients to understand how they will use a space, their style and their budget.
• Measure spaces and create layouts, sketches and 3D visualisations.
• Select materials, finishes, lighting, furniture and fittings.
• Prepare technical drawings and specifications using design software.
• Check that designs follow building regulations, fire safety and accessibility rules.
• Work with architects, engineers, contractors and suppliers.
• Visit sites to monitor work and solve problems during installation.

Where do they work?

Interior designers work for design studios, architecture practices, construction and fit-out companies, retailers, furniture makers, hotel groups and property developers. Many are self-employed or run small studios for private clients. Some specialise in homes, while others focus on commercial areas such as offices, restaurants, hotels, shops or healthcare buildings. The work mixes studio time at a computer with client meetings, supplier visits and site visits. Deadlines and demanding clients can create pressure.

What skills do you need?

• Space planning and layout
• Computer-aided design and 3D visualisation
• Knowledge of materials, lighting and colour
• Building regulations and accessibility
• Drawing and visual presentation
• Project and budget management
• Client communication and negotiation
• Sustainable design

Official skills profile (ESCO)

Essential skills listed for this occupation in ESCO, the European Commission's multilingual classification of skills and occupations.

• develop a specific interior design
• monitor trends in interior design
• research new ideas
• create mood boards
• manage operational budgets
• prepare detailed working drawings for interior design
• manage budgets
• perform project management
• receive key information about projects
• gather reference materials for artwork
• present detailed design proposals
• monitor art scene developments

How do you become an interior designer?

Most interior designers study interior design, interior architecture or a related design subject at a college or university, usually for three or four years. Courses teach drawing, design software, space planning, materials, lighting and building regulations. A portfolio of projects is essential, and internships with design studios or architecture practices help you gain practical experience. Where the profession is regulated, you usually also need supervised work experience and a professional exam. Career changers often take shorter diplomas, and many start with residential projects or junior roles.

1. University degree. A bachelor's degree in interior design or interior architecture covers design, technical drawing, construction, materials and professional practice. Accredited programmes are especially important in places where registration or a professional exam is required, because accredited education is often one of the conditions. Some architecture graduates also move into interior design.
2. Vocational diploma. Vocational colleges and design schools in many countries offer diplomas in interior design or interior decoration. These are often shorter and more practical than degrees. They can lead to work in residential design, retail and furniture companies, but they may limit your options where the profession or title is regulated.
3. Career change route. People from architecture, construction, furniture, retail or graphic design sometimes move into interior design through part-time or short courses. Building a portfolio, learning design software and working as a design assistant are common first steps. Starting with residential projects is often easier than entering commercial design.

Degrees that lead to this career

• Design

  A design degree teaches how to create visual communication, products, spaces, clothing and digital experiences that work well for people.

  6 linked careers

• Architecture

  An architecture degree teaches how to design buildings and spaces that are safe, useful and beautiful, combining creative design with technology, history and the needs of people and the environment.

  5 linked careers

Ready to apply? Build a free CV and cover letter with our CV builder

Do you need a licence to work as an interior designer?

Interior design is partly regulated. In most countries anyone can work as an interior designer, but a few places protect the title or limit certain work. In some US states and Canadian provinces, only registered designers can use certain titles or do some commercial work, usually after accredited education, work experience and the NCIDQ exam. In countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, the title "interior architect" is protected. Changes to structure, fire safety or building services usually need approval from a licensed architect or engineer. Check the rules where you plan to work.

How much does an interior designer earn?

Pay in the United States

• $67,190Median annual wage, May 2025
• $41,420–$114,140Range from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%
• 71.5KPeople employed in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 27-1025, May 2025. National estimates across all industries; excludes the self-employed.

Earnings of Technicians and associate professionals around the world

Most countries do not publish pay for single job titles. The International Labour Organization collects median monthly earnings for broad occupation groups instead. This career belongs to ISCO-08 major group 3, "Technicians and associate professionals". The table covers the whole group, which includes interior designer and many other occupations.

Source: ILOSTAT, median monthly earnings of employees, latest year available. PPP$ adjusts for price differences between countries so figures can be compared. "vs all employees" compares the group's median with the median for all occupations in the same country.

Career progression

1. Design assistant or junior interior designer
2. Interior designer
3. Senior interior designer
4. Associate or design director
5. Studio owner or principal

Job outlook

Demand for interior design depends strongly on the construction and property markets, so work increases when people and businesses invest in buildings and falls during economic downturns. Refurbishing existing buildings, redesigning workplaces, and hospitality and healthcare projects all create work. Sustainability, accessibility and wellbeing are becoming more important in design briefs. AI and visualisation tools speed up early design work, so designers with technical knowledge, project management skills and good client relationships are in a stronger position. Competition for entry-level roles is strong.

Questions about becoming an interior designer

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior designers plan the layout and function of spaces, prepare technical drawings and must understand building regulations. Interior decorators focus on furnishing and styling, such as colours, fabrics, furniture and accessories, without structural changes. Designers usually have more formal training, and in some places only qualified designers can use protected titles.

Do you need a degree to be an interior designer?

In most countries a degree is not legally required, but most employers expect a degree or diploma in interior design or a related subject. In regulated places, such as some US states and Canadian provinces, accredited education is usually needed for registration. A strong portfolio is essential whatever route you take.

Is interior design a good career?

It can be a satisfying career if you enjoy creativity, problem solving and working with people. It is competitive, and the amount of work depends on the property market. Many designers are self-employed, which gives freedom but also means finding clients and managing an irregular income. Technical skills and a specialism help you stand out.

What software do interior designers use?

Interior designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software for technical drawings and 3D modelling software for visualisations. Many also use building information modelling (BIM) tools, which architects and engineers use to share project information. Image editing and presentation software are common too, and hand sketching remains useful for quick ideas and client meetings.

Related careers

• Architect

  Architects design buildings and the spaces around them, balancing appearance, function, safety, cost and environmental impact.

  Degree required · Licensed

• Graphic designer

  Graphic designers create visual content that communicates ideas, such as logos, brand identities, packaging, posters, publications, websites and social media graphics.

  Degree often expected

• Fashion designer

  Fashion designers create clothing, footwear and accessories, from the first idea to the finished product.

  Degree often expected

Sources

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — SOC 27-1025, national estimates, May 2025
2. ILOSTAT — Median monthly earnings of employees by occupation — ISCO-08 major groups, latest year per country
3. European Commission — ESCO occupation profile — ESCO code 3432.1

How to cite this page: CourseToJob (2026). How to become an interior designer: degrees, skills and salary. https://coursetojob.com/careers/interior-designer/ (accessed September 26, 2026)

Report a data or content issue