Construction & Real Estate California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Interior Designer Salary in California

The median interior designer salary in California is $84,994 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $61,590.

Median Salary
$84,994
vs National
+$23,404
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Interior Designer Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level interior designer earns around $49,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,000 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,680
+$13,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,940
+$23,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,000
+$38,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $60,720
Median (50th) $84,994
75th Percentile $113,160
90th Percentile $149,040

Interior Designer Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for interior designers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$89,921
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$112,094
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$87,458
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$103,471
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$72,676
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Interior Designer in California

Education

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

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Interior Designer Jobs in California

Browse open interior designer positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in California

How much does a Interior Designer make in California? ▼
The median interior designer salary in California is $84,994 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $149,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,994, a interior designer in California earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for interior designers? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for interior designer pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level interior designers earn $49,680, while senior professionals earn $138,000.
How does California compare to other states for interior designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interior designers is Hawaii at $104,703. California's median of $84,994 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($104,703) and Massachusetts ($83,147).
What is the entry-level interior designer salary in California? ▼
An entry-level interior designer in California earns approximately $49,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,940. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $138,000.
What city in California pays interior designers the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for interior designers, with a median salary of $112,094. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.