Interior Designer Salary in Columbia, MO: $54,199 (2026)

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

Columbia offers a median interior designer salary of $54,199, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $54,199. Compared to the national median of $61,590, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $54,199 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for interior designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for interior designers in Columbia spans from $29,920 at the 10th percentile to $95,040 at the 90th percentile — a $65,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,680, while senior interior designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interior Designer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level interior designer earns around $31,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,680

$-4,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,440

$-7,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$88,000

$-12,000 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$29,920	$29,920	$34,000
25th Percentile	$38,720	$38,720	$44,000
Median (50th)	$54,199	$54,199	$61,590
75th Percentile	$72,160	$72,160	$82,000
90th Percentile	$95,040	$95,040	$108,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$29,920

25th Percentile

$38,720

Median (50th)

$54,199

75th Percentile

$72,160

90th Percentile

$95,040

How to Become a Interior Designer in Columbia

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Interior Designer make in Columbia, MO? ▼

The median interior designer salary in Columbia, Missouri is $54,199 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $29,920 (10th percentile) to $95,040 (90th percentile).

How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,199, a interior designer in Columbia earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for interior designer pay? ▼

Columbia's median interior designer salary of $54,199 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $54,199. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼

Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a interior designer salary of $54,199 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a interior designer in Columbia? ▼

Most interior designer positions in Columbia 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.

Interior Designer Salary in Columbia, Missouri