EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Excellent career opportunities exist wherever living, working and leisure spaces are being designed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the “employment of designers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006” with a projected 27% increase in demand for interior designers nationwide. Arizona is expected to have the greatest increase in demand for designers with a 64% increase projected by 2006. Demand is expected to increase for designers of residential spaces, offices, health care facilities, restaurants and other retail establishments as well as for institutions servicing the elderly.

What salary can I expect?

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) projects salary ranges for Interior Designers. “Earnings for interior designers vary widely depending on the type of design they do, whether they are self-employed or salaried, years of experience, reputation, demand, regional differences, and other factors. As in many other professions, entry-level salaries are low, and senior practitioners and firm principals or partners often earn several times that of junior staff. Recent surveys indicate that, on average, beginning designers earn about $30,000 a year. Mid-level designers, those with three or more years’ experience, make slightly more, around $35,000 to $40,000. Principals or partners in well-to-do firms may receive $75,000 to $100,000 or more.” Detailed employment and wage statistics can be found from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.