Construction & Real Estate New Mexico (NM) Rank #28 of 50

Interior Designer Salary in New Mexico

The median interior designer salary in New Mexico is $57,279 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $61,590.

Median Salary
$57,279
vs National
$-4,311
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Interior Designer Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #28 out of 50 states for interior designer compensation. Interior Designer salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,279 per year, interior designers in New Mexico earn $4,311 less than the national median of $61,590.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $57,279 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,590 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: interior designers at the 10th percentile earn $31,620, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $100,440 — a $68,820 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Mexico for this role is Santa Fe, where the median reaches $67,749.

Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for interior designers across the country.

Interior Designer Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level interior designer earns around $33,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,000 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,480
$-2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,590
$-4,410 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,000
$-7,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $31,620
25th Percentile $40,920
Median (50th) $57,279
75th Percentile $76,260
90th Percentile $100,440

Interior Designer Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for interior designers in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interior Designer in New Mexico

Education

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

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook in New Mexico

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Interior Designer make in New Mexico? ▼
The median interior designer salary in New Mexico is $57,279 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $31,620 (10th percentile) to $100,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,279, a interior designer in New Mexico earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for interior designers? ▼
New Mexico ranks #28 out of 50 states for interior designer pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level interior designers earn $33,480, while senior professionals earn $93,000.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for interior designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interior designers is Hawaii at $104,703. New Mexico's median of $57,279 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($57,895) and Georgia ($57,279).
What is the entry-level interior designer salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level interior designer in New Mexico earns approximately $33,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,590. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $93,000.
What city in New Mexico pays interior designers the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for interior designers, with a median salary of $67,749. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.