Interior Designer Salary in California
Based on 9K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$80,230
$38.57/hr
vs National Average
$65,910
+21.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $132K
9K employed in California
Interior Designer salary in California averages $80,230 annually, positioning the state as a competitive market for design professionals. With approximately 8,500 interior designers employed throughout California, this median salary sits 22% above the national average, reflecting the state's robust design industry and higher cost of living. Salaries in this field range from $50,940 to $131,770 depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Interior Designer salary in California, including years of experience, project complexity, and geographic location within the state. Designers working in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco typically earn higher salaries, while those specializing in high-end residential or commercial projects command premium rates. Professional credentials, client base strength, and portfolio reputation also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Interior Designer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,940 |
| 25th percentile | $63,370 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,230 |
| 75th percentile | $102,940 |
| 90th percentile | $131,770 |
Top-Paying Industries for Interior Designer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Interior Designers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Interior Designers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $109,990 | 40 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $96,100 | 510 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $84,990 | 2K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $80,850 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $77,300 | 250 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Interior Designer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,260 |
| 2023 | $76,300 |
| 2024 | $77,360 |
| 2025 | $80,230 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,206 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,260 | $58,317 |
| 2023 | $76,300 | $58,516 |
| 2024 | $77,360 | $61,752 |
| 2025 | $80,230 | $65,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,206 | $68,355 |
Interior Designer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,370 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,230 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,770 |
Interior Designer Salary in Other States
Related Interior Designer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Interior Designer ($80,230 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Interior Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in CA | $137,780 | +71.7% | $66.24/hr |
| Producer and Director in CA | $129,790 | +61.8% | $62.40/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in CA | $100,770 | +25.6% | $48.45/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CA | $75,130 | -6.4% | $36.12/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CA | $64,620 | -19.5% | $31.07/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CA | $80,450 | +0.3% | $38.68/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in CA | $79,750 | -0.6% | $38.34/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -0.6% | $38.33/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | +0.7% | $38.85/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in CA | $79,570 | -0.8% | $38.25/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in CA | $79,190 | -1.3% | $38.07/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in CA | $79,030 | -1.5% | $38.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do interior designers make in California?
- Interior designers in California earn a median salary of $80,230 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 21.7% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for interior designers in California?
- Interior designer salaries in California range from $50,940 at the lower end to $131,770 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and geographic location within the state.
How many interior designers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 8,500 interior designers currently employed in California, representing a substantial market for design professionals in the state.
Is California a good state for interior designer salaries?
- Yes, California offers interior designers 21.7% more than the national average salary, with a median of $80,230 annually. This makes it one of the more lucrative states for interior design professionals compared to the rest of the country.