Construction & Real Estate Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Interior Designer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median interior designer salary in Chicago, IL is $65,901 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$65,901
vs State Avg
+$7,390
vs National
+$4,311
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median interior designer salary of $65,901, which is $7,390 above the Illinois state average of $58,511. Compared to the national median of $61,590, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for interior designers in Chicago spans from $36,380 at the 10th percentile to $115,560 at the 90th percentile — a $79,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,520, while senior interior designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,000. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interior Designer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level interior designer earns around $38,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,520
+$2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,410
+$4,410 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,000
+$7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $36,380
25th Percentile $47,080
Median (50th) $65,901
75th Percentile $87,740
90th Percentile $115,560

Interior Designer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$66,517
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$58,511
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$52,352
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$50,504
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Interior Designer in Chicago

Education

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

Find Interior Designer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open interior designer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Interior Designer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median interior designer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $65,901 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $36,380 (10th percentile) to $115,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,901, a interior designer in Chicago earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for interior designer pay? ▼
Chicago's median interior designer salary of $65,901 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $58,511. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a interior designer salary of $65,901 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interior designer in Chicago? ▼
Most interior designer positions in Chicago 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.