Construction & Real Estate Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Interior Designer Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median interior designer salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $54,199 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$54,199
vs State Avg
+$616
vs National
$-7,391
Cost of Living
88%

Interior Designer Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median interior designer salary of $54,199, which is $616 above the Alabama state average of $53,583. Compared to the national median of $61,590, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $54,199 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for interior designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for interior designers in Tuscaloosa spans from $29,920 at the 10th percentile to $95,040 at the 90th percentile — a $65,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,680, while senior interior designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interior Designer Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level interior designer earns around $31,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $29,920
25th Percentile $38,720
Median (50th) $54,199
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $95,040

Interior Designer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$56,663
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$55,431
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$52,967
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$52,352
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Interior Designer in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most interior designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook

Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interior Designer Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open interior designer positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Interior Designer make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median interior designer salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $54,199 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $29,920 (10th percentile) to $95,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,199, a interior designer in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for interior designer pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median interior designer salary of $54,199 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $53,583. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a interior designer salary of $54,199 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interior designer in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most interior designer positions in Tuscaloosa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Space Planning, AutoCAD/SketchUp, Color Theory, Material Selection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.