Construction & Real Estate Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Interior Designer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median interior designer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $89,921 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$89,921
vs State Avg
+$4,927
vs National
+$28,331
Cost of Living
146%

Interior Designer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median interior designer salary of $89,921, which is $4,927 above the California state average of $84,994. Compared to the national median of $61,590, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $89,921 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interior designers in Los Angeles spans from $49,640 at the 10th percentile to $157,680 at the 90th percentile — a $108,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,560, while senior interior designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $146,000. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interior Designer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level interior designer earns around $52,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,560
+$16,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,980
+$28,980 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,000
+$46,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $49,640
25th Percentile $64,240
Median (50th) $89,921
75th Percentile $119,720
90th Percentile $157,680

Interior Designer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$112,094
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$103,471
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$87,458
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$72,676
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Interior Designer in Los Angeles

Education

Most interior designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California 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 Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interior Designer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open interior designer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Interior Designer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median interior designer salary in Los Angeles, California is $89,921 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $49,640 (10th percentile) to $157,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,921, a interior designer in Los Angeles earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for interior designer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median interior designer salary of $89,921 is 5.8% above the California state average of $84,994. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a interior designer salary of $89,921 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interior designer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most interior designer positions in Los Angeles 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.