How Much Money Do Interior Designers Make Per Year?

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Interior design is an artistic field that involves aspects of architecture. Interior designers use lighting, furniture, color and space to increase the function and aesthetic appeal of a building. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that this industry is growing faster than average -- it reports that the field will grow by 19 percent through 2018. Salary information about interior design is useful in solidifying a decision to enter the profession.

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Average and Median Salaries

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The average annual salary for interior designers stood at $51,990, about $24.99 per hour in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary was $46,180, approximately $22.20 per hour, for that year.

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Experience

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Earnings for interior designers increase with experience. Starting interior designers with less than a year of experience make between $29,658 and $39,785. By the time an interior designer reaches 20 or more years of experience, their wages increase to $40,309 to $62,839, as of 2010.

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Bonuses

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Interior designers can expect a yearly bonus in addition to their annual salary. Bonus amounts range from $517 to $2,949, according to the Payscale website. Those with 20 years or more experience make the highest bonuses, receiving $2,097. Interestingly, the next highest bonus is for those with less than one year experience. These interior designers get bonuses of about $2,000. Between five and 19 years, bonuses are between $1,513 and $1,536. The lowest bonuses fall to interior designers with one and four years of experience. These bonuses are about $1,019, as of 2010.

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Employment Area

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Average yearly interior design salaries differ according to where the interior designer holds employment. Those working in franchises make the least, earning between $28,500 and $44,148, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS. Those who work in hospitals earn the second highest wages at $42,500 to $65,000. The BLS points out that there is increased demand in this area because of the growing elderly population. Interior designers who are self-employed have the greatest earning potential, bringing home up to $70,391. However, self-employment also is riskier and has the largest salary range of anywhere between $34,235 to $70,391, as of 2010.

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Considerations

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Interior designers may hold certification from different agencies; however, the most recognized is the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, NCIDQ. Those who are NCIDQ certified earn the most compared to those with other interior design certifications.

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The interior design field is 92 percent female and eight percent male. Nevertheless, males make more than females. Females earn $32,739 to $46,222, while males earn $35,905 to $55,422, as of 2010.

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