Interior Designer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 620+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$98,450
$47.33/hr
vs National Average
$65,910
+49.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$67K – $141K
620 employed in District of Columbia
Interior Designer salary in District of Columbia averages $98,450 annually, positioning the nation's capital as a highly competitive market for design professionals. This median reflects the area's robust design industry, with approximately 620 interior designers currently employed. The District's thriving market for both residential and commercial projects supports these strong compensation levels.
Several factors influence interior designer salaries in this region, including experience level, specialized expertise, and project scope. Designers working on high-end residential or corporate projects typically earn toward the upper end of the $66,930 to $140,870 range. The District's above-average salaries—49% higher than the national average—reflect the area's affluent client base and concentration of premium design opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Interior Designer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,930 |
| 25th percentile | $75,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,450 |
| 75th percentile | $127,070 |
| 90th percentile | $140,870 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,460 |
| 2023 | $81,200 |
| 2024 | $79,060 |
| 2025 | $98,450 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,357 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,460 | $58,317 |
| 2023 | $81,200 | $58,516 |
| 2024 | $79,060 | $61,752 |
| 2025 | $98,450 | $65,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,357 | $69,865 |
Interior Designer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,450 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $140,870 |
Interior Designer Salary in Other States
Related Interior Designer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Interior Designer ($98,450 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Interior Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producer and Director in DC | $104,270 | +5.9% | $50.13/hr |
| Graphic Designer in DC | $87,920 | -10.7% | $42.27/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in DC | $78,770 | -20.0% | $37.87/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in DC | $98,090 | -0.4% | $47.16/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in DC | $96,580 | -1.9% | $46.43/hr |
| Librarian in DC | $96,550 | -1.9% | $46.42/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in DC | $96,030 | -2.5% | $46.17/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | +2.5% | $48.52/hr |
| Plumber in DC | $101,020 | +2.6% | $48.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DC | $101,450 | +3.0% | $48.77/hr |
| Physical Therapist in DC | $101,640 | +3.2% | $48.87/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DC | $101,940 | +3.5% | $49.01/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do interior designers make in Washington DC?
- Interior designers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $98,450 per year, or $47 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 49.4% premium for the DC market.
What is the salary range for interior designers in DC?
- Interior designer salaries in District of Columbia range from $66,930 at the lower end to $140,870 at the upper end, providing a substantial span of earning potential based on experience and specialization.
Is interior design a well-paying job in Washington DC?
- Yes, interior design is well-compensated in Washington DC, with the median salary of $98,450 per year being 49.4% higher than the national average, making it an attractive career choice in the region.
How many interior designers are employed in DC?
- There are currently 620 interior designers employed in District of Columbia, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the area.