Interior Designer Salary in Illinois
Based on 3K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$76,290
$36.68/hr
vs National Average
$65,910
+15.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $132K
3K employed in Illinois
Interior Designer salary in Illinois averages $76,290 per year, positioning the state well above the national median. With approximately 2,570 interior designers currently employed across Illinois, the field offers competitive compensation. Salaries in the state range from $44,620 to $131,990 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Interior Designer salary in Illinois, including experience level, project type, and clientele. Designers working with high-end residential or commercial clients typically earn toward the upper end of the range, while those starting out or serving smaller markets may earn less. Geographic location within Illinois, firm size, and specialized expertise in areas like sustainable design or commercial spaces also play important roles in determining individual compensation.
Salary Distribution — Interior Designer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,620 |
| 25th percentile | $59,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,290 |
| 75th percentile | $93,090 |
| 90th percentile | $131,990 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,250 |
| 2023 | $62,980 |
| 2024 | $66,300 |
| 2025 | $76,290 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,867 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,250 | $58,317 |
| 2023 | $62,980 | $58,516 |
| 2024 | $66,300 | $61,752 |
| 2025 | $76,290 | $65,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,867 | $69,865 |
Interior Designer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,290 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $93,090 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,990 |
Interior Designer Salary in Other States
Related Interior Designer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Interior Designer ($76,290 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Interior Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in IL | $103,550 | +35.7% | $49.78/hr |
| Producer and Director in IL | $81,080 | +6.3% | $38.98/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IL | $62,560 | -18.0% | $30.08/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IL | $60,740 | -20.4% | $29.20/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in IL | $76,380 | +0.1% | $36.72/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IL | $76,110 | -0.2% | $36.59/hr |
| Editor in IL | $76,060 | -0.3% | $36.57/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IL | $76,050 | -0.3% | $36.56/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in IL | $76,820 | +0.7% | $36.93/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IL | $75,320 | -1.3% | $36.21/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in IL | $75,000 | -1.7% | $36.06/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in IL | $74,980 | -1.7% | $36.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do interior designers make in Illinois?
- Interior designers in Illinois earn a median salary of $76,290 per year, or $37 per hour. This is 15.7% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for interior designers in Illinois?
- Interior designer salaries in Illinois range from $44,620 at the lower end to $131,990 at the higher end, reflecting variations based on experience, specialization, and client base.
Is interior design a well-paying job in Illinois compared to other states?
- Yes, Illinois offers above-average compensation for interior designers, with a median salary of $76,290 that exceeds the national average by 15.7%, making it one of the better-paying states for this career.
How many interior designers work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 2,570 interior designers currently employed in Illinois, indicating a moderate job market in the state.