Construction & Real Estate San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Interior Designer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median interior designer salary in San Francisco, CA is $112,094 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$112,094
vs State Avg
+$27,100
vs National
+$50,504
Cost of Living
182%

Interior Designer Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median interior designer salary of $112,094, which is $27,100 above the California state average of $84,994. Compared to the national median of $61,590, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $112,094 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interior designers in San Francisco spans from $61,880 at the 10th percentile to $196,560 at the 90th percentile — a $134,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,520, while senior interior designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,000. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interior Designer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level interior designer earns around $65,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,520
+$29,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$114,660
+$51,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,000
+$82,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $61,880
25th Percentile $80,080
Median (50th) $112,094
75th Percentile $149,240
90th Percentile $196,560

Interior Designer Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$103,471
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$89,921
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$87,458
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$72,676
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Interior Designer in San Francisco

Education

Most interior designer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco 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 San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interior Designer Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open interior designer positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Interior Designer make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median interior designer salary in San Francisco, California is $112,094 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $61,880 (10th percentile) to $196,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,094, a interior designer in San Francisco earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for interior designer pay? ▼
San Francisco's median interior designer salary of $112,094 is 31.9% above the California state average of $84,994. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a interior designer salary of $112,094 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interior designer in San Francisco? ▼
Most interior designer positions in San Francisco 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.