A career in interior decorating offers a unique opportunity to blend artistic vision with practical application, transforming living and working spaces into environments that are both beautiful and functional. For those with a passion for aesthetics and a knack for project management, it can be an incredibly rewarding path. But beyond the creative fulfillment, what is the financial potential?
Understanding the salary landscape is a critical step in planning your career. The average interior decorator salary in the United States hovers around $55,000 per year, but this single number doesn't tell the whole story. Earnings can range from approximately $40,000 for entry-level positions to well over $75,000 for experienced professionals with a strong portfolio and client base.
This article will break down what an interior decorator does, the average salaries you can expect at different stages of your career, and the key factors that will have the biggest impact on your earning potential.
What Does an Interior Decorator Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to clarify the role. While often used interchangeably, an interior decorator is distinct from an interior designer. Decorators focus primarily on the aesthetics and furnishings of a space that is already built. They do not typically make structural changes. Designers, on the other hand, often have formal degrees, may require state licensing, and are involved in the architectural and planning stages of a space.
An interior decorator's key responsibilities include:
- Client Consultation: Meeting with clients to understand their needs, style preferences, and budget.
- Aesthetic Planning: Creating mood boards, selecting color palettes, and developing a cohesive design concept.
- Sourcing and Selection: Choosing and purchasing furniture, lighting, textiles, art, and accessories.
- Space Arrangement: Arranging furniture and decor to optimize flow, function, and visual appeal.
- Budget Management: Tracking expenses to ensure projects are completed within the client's financial constraints.
- Project Coordination: Liaising with painters, installers, and other vendors to bring the vision to life.
Average Interior Decorator Salary
Salary data shows a consistent range for interior decorators, though the figures can vary slightly depending on the source and what is included (e.g., base salary vs. total compensation).
Across major salary aggregators, the average base salary for an interior decorator in the United States typically falls between $52,000 and $58,000 per year.
- Payscale.com reports an average base salary of approximately $55,000 per year as of early 2024, with a common range of $38k - $80k.
- Salary.com places the median salary for an "Interior Decorator I" (entry-level) around $51,600, with the typical range falling between $42,000 and $58,500.
- Glassdoor reports a higher average total pay of around $64,000, which includes base salary as well as potential additional compensation like commissions or bonuses.
It's also useful to consider data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which groups decorators with interior designers. The BLS reports a median annual wage for "Interior Designers" of $62,480 as of May 2023. This figure often represents higher earning potential, particularly for decorators who run their own successful businesses or gain advanced certifications.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary is not a fixed number. It's a dynamic figure influenced by a combination of your skills, choices, and market forces. Here are the most significant factors that will shape your earnings as an interior decorator.
### Level of Education
While a formal bachelor's degree is not a strict requirement to become an interior decorator, pursuing education and certification can significantly boost your credibility and earning potential. A degree in a related field like art history, graphic design, or architecture provides a strong foundation. More importantly, professional certifications, such as those from Certified Interior Decorators International (C.I.D.), signal a high level of professionalism and expertise to clients, allowing you to command higher fees.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most powerful driver of salary growth in this field. A proven track record and a stunning portfolio are your greatest assets.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Decorators starting out can expect to earn in the $40,000 to $50,000 range. The focus at this stage is on building a portfolio, learning from senior decorators, and establishing relationships with vendors.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): With a solid portfolio and a growing list of client testimonials, mid-career decorators typically earn between $55,000 and $68,000. They can manage larger projects and may begin to specialize.
- Senior / Experienced (8+ years): Highly experienced decorators, especially those who run their own firms or have a strong reputation in a niche market, can earn $70,000 and beyond. Top-tier decorators working with high-net-worth clients can see their income reach six figures.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Decorators in major metropolitan areas with a high cost of living and a concentration of wealthy clients earn significantly more than those in smaller towns or rural areas. According to Salary.com, cities like San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles offer salaries that are 15-25% higher than the national average. Conversely, salaries in less populated states will likely be below the national median.
### Company Type
The structure of your employment directly impacts how and what you earn.
- Freelance / Self-Employed: This path offers the highest earning potential but also the most risk. Your income is directly tied to the number and scale of projects you land. Successful firm owners often earn the most, but they also bear all business costs.
- Retail Furniture or Home Goods Stores: Many decorators start here. These roles often combine a base salary with a commission structure. It provides steady pay and excellent product knowledge but may have a lower base salary than other settings.
- Boutique Design & Decorating Firms: Working for an established firm provides a stable salary and invaluable mentorship. It’s an excellent way to gain experience on high-end projects without the risk of running your own business.
- Real Estate / Home Staging Companies: This is a specialized, fast-paced niche. Stagers are hired to decorate homes for sale, and their compensation is tied to the real estate market's health.
### Area of Specialization
Developing an expertise can set you apart and increase your value. High-demand specializations often command higher rates. Consider focusing on:
- Residential Decorating: The most common path, working directly with homeowners.
- Commercial Decorating: Designing for offices, hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces can be highly lucrative.
- Home Staging: A high-demand niche focused on maximizing a property's appeal to potential buyers.
- E-Decorating: Offering virtual design services online, allowing you to work with clients from anywhere.
Job Outlook
The future for design professionals is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for interior designers (the category including decorators) will grow by 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
This steady demand is fueled by new construction, extensive remodeling projects, and a growing public interest in well-designed spaces, partly driven by popular media and home improvement television shows. While the field is competitive, those who build a strong personal brand, network effectively, and develop a standout portfolio will find ample opportunities.
Conclusion
A career as an interior decorator is more than just a job—it's a platform for your creativity. While the national average salary provides a solid benchmark of around $55,000, your actual earnings are in your hands.
By focusing on continuous learning, gaining diverse experience, and strategically choosing your location and specialty, you can build a financially successful career. For those with a keen eye for design, strong interpersonal skills, and savvy business sense, a career in interior decorating offers a rewarding path to turn creative passion into a profitable and fulfilling profession.