Construction & Real Estate Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Interior Designer Salary in Arkansas

The median interior designer salary in Arkansas is $51,736 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $61,590.

Median Salary
$51,736
vs National
$-9,854
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Interior Designer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for interior designer compensation. Interior Designer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,736 per year, interior designers in Arkansas earn $9,854 less than the national median of $61,590.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $51,736 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,590 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: interior designers at the 10th percentile earn $28,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,720 — a $62,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $54,199.

Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for interior designers across the country.

Interior Designer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level interior designer earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,000
$-16,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $36,960
Median (50th) $51,736
75th Percentile $68,880
90th Percentile $90,720

Interior Designer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for interior designers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interior Designer in Arkansas

Education

Most interior designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Interior Designer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median interior designer salary in Arkansas is $51,736 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $90,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,736, a interior designer in Arkansas earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for interior designers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for interior designer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level interior designers earn $30,240, while senior professionals earn $84,000.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for interior designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interior designers is Hawaii at $104,703. Arkansas's median of $51,736 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($53,583) and Oklahoma ($52,967).
What is the entry-level interior designer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level interior designer in Arkansas earns approximately $30,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,000.
What city in Arkansas pays interior designers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for interior designers, with a median salary of $54,199. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.