Interior Designer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 3K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$61,400
$29.52/hr
vs National Average
$65,910
-6.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $100K
3K employed in North Carolina
Understanding the Interior Designer salary in North Carolina reveals a median annual income of $61,400. This figure falls 7% below the national average, with actual earnings typically ranging from $39,870 to $100,450. Currently, approximately 2,610 professionals are employed in this field across the state.
Several factors can influence an Interior Designer salary in North Carolina. Experience level, the size and type of firm, and the specific geographic region within the state all play significant roles. Specializations, such as commercial or residential design, and the ability to secure high-profile or larger-scale projects can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Interior Designer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,870 |
| 25th percentile | $49,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,400 |
| 75th percentile | $78,210 |
| 90th percentile | $100,450 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,180 |
| 2023 | $54,340 |
| 2024 | $53,180 |
| 2025 | $61,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,084 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,180 | $58,317 |
| 2023 | $54,340 | $58,516 |
| 2024 | $53,180 | $61,752 |
| 2025 | $61,400 | $65,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,084 | $69,865 |
Interior Designer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,490 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,210 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,450 |
Interior Designer Salary in Other States
Related Interior Designer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Interior Designer ($61,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Interior Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in NC | $90,000 | +46.6% | $43.27/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in NC | $80,620 | +31.3% | $38.76/hr |
| Producer and Director in NC | $63,700 | +3.7% | $30.63/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NC | $58,450 | -4.8% | $28.10/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in NC | $46,700 | -23.9% | $22.45/hr |
| Librarian in NC | $61,420 | +0.0% | $29.53/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in NC | $61,430 | +0.0% | $29.53/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in NC | $60,120 | -2.1% | $28.90/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in NC | $63,270 | +3.0% | $30.42/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in NC | $63,340 | +3.2% | $30.45/hr |
| Police Officer in NC | $59,300 | -3.4% | $28.51/hr |
| Writer and Author in NC | $63,660 | +3.7% | $30.61/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do interior designers make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for an interior designer in North Carolina is $61,400 per year, which averages out to about $30 per hour. The salary range for this profession in the state is quite wide, from $39,870 up to $100,450 annually.
What is the average salary for an interior designer in North Carolina compared to the national average?
- Interior designers in North Carolina earn an average of 6.8% less than the national average. This means that while the median salary in NC is $61,400 per year, the national median would be higher.
What is the typical salary range for an interior designer in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, interior designers can expect to earn within a range of $39,870 to $100,450 per year. The median salary sits comfortably in the middle of this spectrum at $61,400 annually.
How many interior designers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 2,610 interior designers currently employed in North Carolina. This figure represents the total number of professionals in this field within the state.