Construction & Real Estate New York City, NY Pop. 8,336,817

Interior Designer Salary in New York City, New York

The median interior designer salary in New York City, NY is $115,173 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median and 53.3% above the New York state average.

City Median
$115,173
vs State Avg
+$40,033
vs National
+$53,583
Cost of Living
187%

Interior Designer Pay in New York City: What to Expect (2026)

New York City offers a median interior designer salary of $115,173, which is $40,033 above the New York state average of $75,140. Compared to the national median of $61,590, New York City pays above average for this role.

However, New York City's cost of living index is 187%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $115,173 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in New York City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interior designers in New York City spans from $63,580 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $138,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,320, while senior interior designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $187,000. As a major metro area with a population of 8,336,817, New York City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interior Designer Salary in New York City by Experience

In New York City, an entry-level interior designer earns around $67,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $187,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,320
+$31,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,810
+$54,810 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$187,000
+$87,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New York City, NY

Percentile New York City
10th Percentile $63,580
25th Percentile $82,280
Median (50th) $115,173
75th Percentile $153,340
90th Percentile $201,960

Interior Designer Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Interior Designer in New York City

Education

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

Find Interior Designer Jobs in New York City

Browse open interior designer positions in New York City, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in New York City

How much does a Interior Designer make in New York City, NY? ▼
The median interior designer salary in New York City, New York is $115,173 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $63,580 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in New York City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,173, a interior designer in New York City earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New York City compare to the New York state average for interior designer pay? ▼
New York City's median interior designer salary of $115,173 is 53.3% above the New York state average of $75,140. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New York City, NY? ▼
New York City has a cost of living index of 187% compared to the national average. This means a interior designer salary of $115,173 in New York City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interior designer in New York City? ▼
Most interior designer positions in New York City 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.