- Interior designers in numbers
- What interior designers do
- How to become an interior designer, step by step
- The three kinds of state rules
- The exam needs 2 years of work first
- Where interior designers work and what they earn
- Software has replaced the drafting table
- Where future work comes from
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To become an interior designer in the US, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree, often in fine arts or interior design, with courses in drawing and computer-aided design (CAD). Whether you also need a license depends on your state: some states let only licensed designers do interior design work, some let only licensed designers use the title, and some don't restrict either.
That state-by-state difference is the biggest thing to check before you start. It decides what you can call yourself and what work you can take on.
Figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, read on 26 October 2026.
Interior designers in numbers
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $67,190 a year, $32.31 an hour |
| Lowest 10 in every 100 earned less than | $41,420 |
| Highest 10 in every 100 earned more than | $114,140 |
| Jobs in 2025 | 97,100 |
| Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | 3%, as fast as average |
| Openings each year | About 7,700 on average |
Those pay figures are as of October 2026.
What interior designers do
BLS says interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe and attractive by working out space requirements and choosing colors, lighting and materials. They bid for projects, find out what clients need, think about how people will move through a space, sketch plans including electrical and partition layouts, specify furniture, finishes and fixtures, estimate costs and timelines, then oversee installation with contractors. They must be able to read and edit blueprints and know building codes, inspection rules and accessibility standards. Many specialize in homes, hospitals or hotels, or in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.
How to become an interior designer, step by step
- Build a portfolio early. Applicants to design programs may need to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.
- Earn a degree. Programs run at associate's, bachelor's and master's level. BLS says a bachelor's in any field is typical, with fine arts the most common, plus courses in interior design, drawing and CAD.
- Get work experience. Many designers start in specialized design firms, architecture practices or retail.
- Check your state's rules. Find out whether your state restricts the work, the title, or neither.
- Take the state-approved exam if you need it. In title-restricted states, only those who pass may call themselves registered interior designers.
- Specialize. Voluntary certification, for example in environmental design, helps you stand out.
The three kinds of state rules
| Type of state | Who can do the work | Who can use the title interior designer |
|---|---|---|
| Practice restricted | Only licensed designers | Licensed designers |
| Title restricted | Licensed and unlicensed designers | Only licensed designers |
| Unrestricted | Licensed and unlicensed designers | Licensed and unlicensed designers |
Contact your state licensing board to find out which group you fall into. It shapes how you market yourself and which projects you can accept.
The exam needs 2 years of work first
Here's what many new graduates don't expect. In states with laws restricting the title, BLS says eligibility for the state-approved exam includes at least a bachelor's degree in interior design and 2 years of full-time work experience. So even with the degree in hand, you'll usually work for a couple of years before you can call yourself a registered interior designer in those states.
Plan those first jobs with that in mind. Roles that give you a broad range of projects, and a supervisor who can sign off your experience, make the exam step easier.
Where interior designers work and what they earn
| Employer | Share of jobs | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized design services | 30% | $67,870 |
| Self-employed | 26 in every 100 | Not listed |
| Architectural, engineering and related services | 14 in every 100 | $78,340 |
| Retail trade | 12 in every 100 | $50,560 |
| Construction | 6 in every 100 | $63,330 |
Designers working alongside architects and engineers earned the highest median, as of October 2026, and about 26 in every 100 designers are self-employed. Most work in offices but travel to clients' sites, and you may need to meet clients in the evening or at weekends.
Software has replaced the drafting table
BLS notes that interior designers now use software rather than drafting tables to create two- and three-dimensional images. That's why CAD sits in most degree programs. Our guide to AI tools for mocking up rooms shows where newer tools fit, and this comparison of interior design apps covers options for quick concepts with clients.
Where future work comes from
BLS expects homeowners and companies to keep needing interior designers for renovation projects. A greater focus on building codes and on designing spaces that meet accessibility standards may also create jobs. Designers who know those rules well have something extra to offer clients and contractors.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
My verdict
Becoming an interior designer starts with a degree and a strong portfolio, but your state decides the rest. Check early whether yours restricts the work, the title or neither, and if you'll need the exam, plan for 2 years of full-time experience first. Specialize, get fluent in design software, and learn the building codes and accessibility rules that clients increasingly need help with.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to be an interior designer?
BLS says interior designers typically need a bachelor's degree, often in fine arts or interior design, with courses in drawing and CAD.
Do interior designers need a license?
It depends on the state. Some states restrict the work to licensed designers, some restrict only the title, and some don't restrict either.
How much do interior designers make?
BLS reports a median of $67,190 a year in May 2025, with designers in architectural and engineering firms earning a median of $78,340.
What do you need to sit the interior design exam?
In title-restricted states, BLS says eligibility includes at least a bachelor's degree in interior design and 2 years of full-time work experience.
Can interior designers be self-employed?
Yes. About 26 in every 100 interior designers are self-employed.
Do interior designers need a portfolio?
Usually. Applicants to design programs may need to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.
Is interior design a growing career?
BLS projects 3% growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 7,700 openings a year.
What software do interior designers use?
Designers now use software rather than drafting tables to create two- and three-dimensional images, and CAD is a standard part of training.
