LIFE & CULTURE

What Is An Interior Designer’s Annual Salary?

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How much money does an interior designer make? According to payscale, the average interior designer salary is AU$52,680, but can range from anywhere between $40,982 to $99,777 per year. In addition, payscale notes an interior designer may earn between $501-$6,054 in bonuses per year. 

An interior designer will work to plan indoor spaces to make them “aesthetic, functional and safe” and often to “meet a clients particular needs”, according payscale. Interior designers typically have bachelor’s degrees and training in drawing and computer-aided design.

When it comes to annual salary, a few factors play out. A candidate’s salary will be highest by their growth in position – whether they are an entry level, junior, or senior designer will determine how much they earn a month or per hour.

Payscale notes an interior designer earns on average $25.54 per hour, but can increase as experience grows up to $53.33. 

interior designer
(Credit: Getty)

In Australia, interior designer is one of the few occupations where women have higher taxable incomes. According to an ABC report, published in August 2018, 786 women were employed as interior designers in Australia, earning an average taxable income of $52,980. This was compared to 136 men who held the same title earning an average taxable income of $51,063, making the difference between women’s and men’s salaries $1,917. 

What Can An Interior Designer Earn?

According to payscale, in Australia an interior designer can earn anywhere between $40,982 to $99,777 per year, depending on their position and experience. In 2018, architects and interior designers experienced the third highest growth rate, according to SeekThe average advertised salary for an interior designer increased 15.78 percent in the past five years from $71,737 in 2013 to $84,559 in 2018.

Do You Need A Degree To Be An Interior Designer?

If you’re interested in becoming an interior designer, there are certain skills, techniques and attributes you’ll need. An interior design qualification is highly regarded by employers who value theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on experience, which a candidate would gain throughout the course.

Generally, an interior designer will complete a Bachelor Of Design (Interior Design). Australian universities that offer this course include the Whitehouse Institute of Design, RMIT University, Billy Blue College of Design and the University of Technology Sydney, among others. These courses will train students in the software and skills they’ll need to use in your professional interior design career.

If you’re looking at starting your own interior design business, a certification can also strengthen your credibility and give you a competitive advantage when attracting clients. 

Where Will An Interior Designer Earn The Most Money?

When it comes to supply and demand for interior designers in Australia, generally speaking designers located in large metropolitan cities in Australia will earn more than those based in smaller or rural areas. 

Cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Perth see a higher demand of jobs for interior designers – including businesses and personal use.

interior designer
(Credit: Getty)

What Tasks Does An Interior Designer Do?

Payscale describes an interior designers tasks as the following: 

  • Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.
  • Subcontract fabrication, installation, and arrangement of carpeting, fixtures, accessories, draperies, paint and wall coverings, art work, furniture, and related items.
  • Estimate material requirements and costs, and present design to client for approval.
  • Coordinate with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, engineers and plumbers.

What Time Of Year Will An Interior Designer Be The Busiest? 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald January is “decluttering month” for Australians, making it a time many Aussies decide to revamp and reinvent their spaces. 

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